Health Alerts
Monkeypox - Now Known as Mpox
Updated September 24, 2024
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. There are two types (i.e., “clades”) of monkeypox virus. Historically, clade I has been associated with a higher percentage of people with mpox developing severe illness or dying, compared to clade II.
Updates on Mpox in the United States (August 2024)
No cases of clade I mpox have been reported outside central and eastern Africa at this time, including the United States.
The risk to the general public in the United States is very low.
At this time, recommendations regarding risk factors and indications for vaccination have not changed since 2022.
On August 16, 2024, the CDC updated their Patient’s Guide to Mpox Treatment with TPOXX.
Mpox Symptoms
A rash that appears several days after infection; it usually begins on the face and then can appear on other parts of the body. Recent reports indicate the rash can begin on the genitals. Over several weeks, the rash changes from small spots to tiny blisters similar to chickenpox, and then to larger, pus-filled blisters. These can take several weeks to scab over at which point you are no longer contagious.
Fever ≥100.4°F (though fever is not always present)
Headache
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
How Mpox Is Contracted
In the US, mpox can be contracted:
through contact with an infected person’s skin lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory secretions, or through intimate or close contact (including sex)
contact with materials contaminated with the virus such as bedding clothing, and sex toys
through intimate or close contact, including sex, with an infected person
Mpox is not considered a sexually transmitted illness (STI) because it can be spread through any physical contact.
Mpox Vaccine Recommendations
While the risk to the general public remains very low, we recommend you review the CDC’s Mpox Vaccination Basics page to see if your behaviors may place you in a higher risk category where vaccinations can help.
Where to Get Vaccinated
If you meet the criteria listed above, please learn about where to get vaccinations on the NYC Vaccine Finder and the CDC’s vaccination locator.
Preventing Mpox
If you are caring for someone who has mpox, taking these steps may help protect you from the virus:
wear a mask and gloves
regularly wash your hands
practice physical distancing when possible
ideally, a caregiver should be previously vaccinated against smallpox.
If You Think You Have or Are Diagnosed with Mpox
- If you have symptoms that could be mpox, even if they are mild, talk to your health care provider. Tell your provider about any recent travel. A provider will check your symptoms and may order testing for mpox and other infections. Testing for mpox involves a provider taking a swab of a sore. Your provider can prescribe treatment and pain management, if necessary.
- If you do not have a health care provider, call 311 or search the NYC Health Map.
- For more information on care, treatment and the precautions you should take to keep yourself and others safe, visit What to Do When Sick.