August is like New Years; just hear me out. The majority of the world appears to be on vacation, school starts over again, and according to F. Scott Fitzgerland, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall”, made famous in his classic American novel, “The Great Gatsby.” In my humble opinion, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year.
However, the one thing I am not looking forward to is the potential for the spread of mpox in Pittsburgh, and with the influx of college students flooding into the city as first-year college freshmen, it’s important to remind everyone of the safety precautions you need to take into consideration when getting down.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a disease caused by a virus in the same family grouping as smallpox, with similar symptoms that are more mild and rarely fatal. An individual would be able to contract the disease when they come into contact with sores, scabs or bodily fluids of an infected person. These types of infections occur through close, intimate situations (think cuddling, kissing and sexual contact) or by touching contaminated materials, such as bedding, clothing or other linens used by an infected individual.
The first known case of mpox hit Allegheny County in 2022, with a staggering 71 confirmed cases the county saw that year. Since then, there has been ebbs and flows with the cases year after year. So far for 2026, Allegheny County has had 13 confirmed cased, which is up by 7 cases from last year.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms one might experience with mpox are not limited to, but might include the following:
- Rash
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Fatigue
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
It’s important to note that sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms prior to having a rash. In other cases, some individuals report having the rash first, then flu-like symptoms, while on occasion, others experience only a rash.
Some individuals that acquire mpox only have a few sores; typically, people with mpox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth. As a gentle reminder, it is critical for those infected or potentially exposed to the virus and develop a rash, to get tested to limit the spread of the disease.
Where can you get tested, treated, or the vaccine?
Most of the healthcare facilities in Allegheny County (think hospitals, emergency departments, urgent cares, clinics, etc). Within the City of Pittsburgh, you’ll find dedicated health clinics that can help to test and vaccinate you:
- ACHD Sexual Health Clinic, 425 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Allies for Health + Wellbeing, 211 N. Whitfield St., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- Central Outreach Wellness Center, 127 Anderson Street, Suite 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Metro Community Health Center, 1789 S Braddock Ave #410, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
- University of Pittsburgh Vaccination and Health Connection Hub, Nordenberg Hall, 4041 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (ground floor, Fifth Avenue entrance)
The vaccine may help to prevent the disease if given before exposure or within four days of exposure to the virus. Per the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), people who should get vaccinated include the following:
- Have had sexual or intimate contact with someone who may have mpox. Get vaccinated as soon as possible after exposure, regardless of your sexual or gender identity.
- Are a gay, bisexual, or other same-gender loving man who has sex with men or are transgender, gender non-binary, or gender-diverse and in the last 6 months, have had or expect to have:
- One or more sexually transmitted infections
- More than one sexual partner, or anonymous sexual or intimate contact
- Sex at a commercial sex venue
- Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring
- Have had sexual or intimate contact with a person who is at risk of mpox as described above