Monkeypox

North Carolina’s first case was identified on June 23, 2022. Nearly all monkeypox cases in North Carolina have been in men who have sex with men, consistent with findings from other jurisdictions. NC DHHS is working with local health departments and community partners to identify and respond to every case of monkeypox. 

Click here for current case summary and demographics

August 26th, 2022 press release in regards to Beaufort County's 1st case of monkeypox

How is Monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox virus can be spread person-to-person through infected body fluids (including saliva and lesion fluid), items that have been in contact with infected fluids or lesion crusts, and respiratory droplets. The incubation period is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days. People with monkeypox are infectious from the start of symptoms (before the rash forms) until the lesions heal and new skin forms underneath scabs and the scabs have all fallen off.

Monkeypox Vaccine

Vaccine is available to protect against monkeypox or to reduce disease severity. Beaufort County Health Department does offer the monkeypox vaccine. Must meet eligibility criteria to receive the vaccine.
If you or someone you know qualifies for the vaccine, you can contact us at 252-946-1902.

Vaccine eligibility criteria includes:

  • Anyone who had close contact in the past two weeks with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox; or
  • Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals, who are sexually active; or
  • People who have had sexual contact with gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, or transgender individuals in the past 90 days; or
  • People living with HIV, or taking medication to prevent HIV (PrEP), or who were diagnosed with syphilis in the past 90 days.

Available for certain health care workers and public health response team members designated by public health authorities 

Take the following steps to prevent getting monkeypox:

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox.

    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox.
    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox.

  • Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used.

    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox.
    • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.