MPOX

What you need to know about mpox

Mpox is a rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization or death. That's why health officials in New York, the U.S., and around the world are monitoring cases of mpox in areas that do not usually report mpox infections, including in New York State.

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact. This means anyone can get mpox. However, certain populations are affected by mpox more than others, including men who have sex with men.

mpox virus

Based on previous outbreaks of mpox around the world, some groups may also be at heightened risk for severe outcomes if they contract mpox. This includes people with weakened immune systems, older adults, young children under 8 years of age, and pregnant people.

How does mpox spread?

Mpox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. This includes:

  • Direct contact with mpox sores or rashes on an individual who has mpox.
  • Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with mpox, particularly for those who have close contact with someone or are around them for a long period of time.

It can also be spread through contact with objects or fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with mpox.

It is possible for mpox to spread to a fetus during pregnancy, or to a newborn during or after birth via close contact.

Mpox can spread to humans who have close contact with an infected animal.

Who should get a vaccine?

Those...

  • with known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
  • with a sex partner in the previous two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox
  • who identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past six months has had any of the following:
    • A new diagnosis of one or more STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
    • More than one sex partner
  • who have had any of the following in the past six months:
    • Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., sex club or bathhouse)
    • Sex related to a large commercial event or in a geographic area (e.g., city or country) where mpox transmission is occurring
  • with a sex partner with any of the above risks
  • who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
  • who are living with HIV or other causes of immune suppression who had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure from any of the above scenarios
  • who work in settings where they may be exposed to mpox:
    • Those who work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory
    • Those who are part of an orthopoxvirus healthcare worker response team
  • who engage in transactional sex
  • who have or anticipate attending private or public sex parties

How to get an mpox vaccine in New York State

Vaccines are available in the following locations:

Albany County
Schenectady County
Clinton County
Columbia County
Essex County

If your county isn't listed above and you would like information about how to get an mpox vaccine, we can help.

MPOX VACCINE HELP

MPOX and HIV

Current data suggest that about 40% of people diagnosed with monkeypox in the United States also had HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). CDC doesn’t know if having HIV increases the likelihood of getting sick with monkeypox if exposed to the virus. However, they do know that people with severe immunocompromise (like advanced HIV) are at increased risk of severe monkeypox if they become infected.

If you have HIV, you should follow the same recommendations as everyone else to protect yourself from monkeypox. Taking your HIV medication as prescribed and keeping an undetectable viral load are the best things you can do to stay healthy and doing so also prevents you from sexually transmitting HIV to your HIV-negative partner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mpox (monkeypox virus)

What is mpox (Monkeypox virus)?

Mpox is a virus transmitted to humans from animals with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. 

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later. 

  • Fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and an overwhelming lack of energy. (typically occurring within a week of infection)
  • Skin rashes are very common (typically occurring within 1-3 days from first symptoms)
    • Highly likely: Face
    • Likely: Hands and Feet
    • Possibly: Genitalia 
    • Rarely: Area around the Eyes
  • Symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks

NOTE: This is not a complete list. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

What do I do if I have the symptoms?

Call for medical attention immediately.

How long do mpox symptoms last?

Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

Are there mpox cases in my county?

New York State Department of Health regularly updates this map that shows the number of cases for every county in the state. 

Is it Monkeypox, MPV, or mpox?

Great question! Monkeypox was originally named because of its first recorded outbreak from a small group of chimpanzees. The jump from animals to humans, specifically in Africa, caused the virus to be designated as Monkeypox. 

The virus is now recognized by the World Health Organization as mpox.

Recommended information resources for mpox

New York State Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization (WHO)