North Wake News

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a notice urging public awareness after detecting mpox particles in wastewater samples. The findings, identified through routine wastewater testing, suggest potential undiagnosed cases. Although this year only two mpox cases have been reported in North Carolina, the recent wastewater discoveries were attributed to clade I, a type not previously observed in the state.

Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, is primarily transmitted via prolonged skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activities. The presence of clade I particles in wastewater is particularly noteworthy as only four cases have been reported in the U.S. This type of mpox is linked to a significant outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa, mostly spreading through heterosexual contact and reaching some household members, including children.

Wastewater samples from Greenville, NC, collected on March 25, March 28, and April 8, revealed the presence of clade I mpox particles. This suggests there might have been at least one person with an undiagnosed or unreported infection in the area during that time. "The detection of clade I mpox virus in wastewater surveillance tells us the virus is potentially here in our state, even though no cases have been reported and confirmed," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We encourage health care providers to be on the lookout for mpox cases and we encourage people who are at higher risk to protect themselves by getting vaccinated."

NCDHHS advises healthcare providers in North Carolina to consider mpox in patients who exhibit compatible symptoms, inquiring about any recent international travel. Healthcare providers treating mpox infections are urged to contact local health departments or the NCDHHS Division of Public Health at 919-733-3419.

The North Carolina Wastewater Monitoring Network, which started in 2021, conducts these analyses. This collaboration between NCDHHS, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, wastewater utilities, and local health departments monitors viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Despite its success, the program faces potential federal funding cuts, which could jeopardize the ability to provide early warnings and guidance on infections.

Regular results from the monitoring network are posted on the NCDHHS wastewater monitoring dashboard, and mpox testing from 18 sites is also shared on the CDC Mpox wastewater dashboard. Vaccinations are available to protect against both clades of mpox, with further details provided on the NCDHHS mpox webpage.

Individuals suspecting they have mpox symptoms or who have had close contact with an infected person are encouraged to seek advice from healthcare providers. Symptoms typically include rashes, which can be painful or itchy, flu-like symptoms, or, in some cases, solely a rash.