Mpox

In May 2022, a global outbreak of mpox–a rare viral disease caused by the mpox virus–was confirmed with a cluster of cases found in the United Kingdom. Since then, countries around the world have seen an uptick in mpox cases, including the United States. While mpox cases are increasing across the country, the general population is currently at low risk of contracting the disease, and the spread of mpox is different from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic:

• There is a vaccine for mpox.
• Mpox can be treated with available antiviral medicines.
• While COVID-19 passed easily from person to person, mpox does not spread as easily between people. Mpox transmission typically requires skin-to-skin contact, direct contact with body fluids, or prolonged face-to-face contact.

Mpox is a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, the inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Mpox infections are typically not severe; symptoms are usually similar to the flu with a rash and resolve within 2-4 weeks. 

Mpox is Not Spread Through 

• Casual conversations
• Walking by someone with mpox, like in a grocery store 
• Touching items like doorknobs 

Eligibility for Vaccine

Eligibility criteria are as follows:  

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary people who in the past year have had:
  • A new diagnosis of one or more nationally reportable sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) OR
  • Anonymous or multiple sex partners 
• People who have had any of the following in the past year:
  • Sex at a commercial sex venue OR
  • Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring
• Sex workers (of any sex)
• Sexual partners of people with the above risks
• People who anticipate experiencing the above risks