Mpox, a highly contagious viral disease known for causing severe rashes and blisters, has been identified at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility.

“Mpox Clade 2 has been detected in Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, and we’re actively managing the situation with robust health measures,” said Iowa Department of Corrections Chief of Staff Paul Cornelius.

Cornelius said the “investigation is ongoing” and was unable to provide information as to the number of affected prisoners or if staff had also been affected by the disease.

“Affected individuals are receiving care, and enhanced sanitation and isolation protocols are in place to prevent further spread,” said Cornelius. “We’re working closely with health authorities from Health and Human Services to ensure a coordinated response is utilized.”

According to Jennifer Sumpter, a registered nurse and director of the Webster County Health Department (WCHD), the risk to the general public is low.

“Transmission would have to be skin to skin with someone with an Mpox lesion,” said Sumpter. “The risk of transmission to the public is low.”

Mpox, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a disease caused by infection with the virus formerly known as Monkeypox. Mpox is in the same viral family as smallpox with those infected often getting a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Mpox is endemic to parts of Central and West Africa and was discovered in 1958.

According to Sumpter, there are two types of Mpox with Clade 2, as found in the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, being less severe and survivable. Clade 1 is considered more severe and deadly, and is the strain currently spreading in Africa, though it has yet to reach the United States. The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency for Clade 1.

According to Sumpter, if a person has concerns about Mpox, they should contact their health care provider. Mpox vaccines are available to those who are eligible per CDC recommendations.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no prior cases of Mpox in Iowa prior to the reports at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. In 2023, one case was reported. Over the course of the CDC’s monitoring or Mpox, it was reported 30 total cases in Iowa and 32,063 cases and 58 deaths nationwide.

By The Numbers

0 — cases in 2024 prior to Fort Dodge detection

1 — case in Iowa in 2023

30 — cases in Iowa since CDC began monitoring the disease

32,063 — cases nationwide since CDC began monitoring

58 — deaths reported nationwide since CDC began monitoring