Information on Mpox

 

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare 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. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Beginning in May 2022, cases of mpox have been reported in more than 50 countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. There has been a recent increase in mpox in CT.  Eight cases have been reported so far in 2024 with six of those cases being reported in April.  

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and a rash. You may experience all or only a few of the symptoms of mpox.  Most people with mpox will get a rash.  The rash can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. The illness typically lasts two – four weeks.

Anyone with a new or unexplained rash or having other mpox symptoms,  should see  their healthcare provider, even if they don’t think they had contact with someone who has mpox.

HOW IT SPREADS

Mpox can spread from person-to-person through:

  • Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
  • Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids of an infected person
  • Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two – four weeks. People who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if mpox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids. Click here to learn more on how to prevent spreading to others.

 

VACCINATION 

Vaccination is an important tool in stopping the spread of mpox.  A 2-dose vaccine has been developed to protect against it.  People need to get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against mpox.  The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination against mpox if:

  • You had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
  • You had a sex partner in the past 2 weeks who was diagnosed with mpox
  • You are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past 6 months has had any of the following:
    • A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
    • More than one sex partner
  • You have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
    • Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse)
    • Sex related to a large commercial event or in a geographic area (city or county for example) where mpox virus transmission is occurring
  • You have a sex partner with any of the above risks
  • You anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
  • You are at risk for occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses (e.g., certain people who work in a laboratory or a healthcare facility).

Link to vaccine clinics

Information on vaccination for mpox can be found here.

If you have had known close contact with a confirmed case of mpox, please contact the Milford Health Department at 203-783-3285.

For the most up-to-date information of mpox in Connecticut and throughout the United States, please visit the CDC Mpox website or CT DPH Mpox website. 
 

Resources:

CT DPH mpox website 

Monkeypox 101 from DPH (English)

Monkeypox 101 from DPH (Spanish)

CDC Mpox Vaccine Recommendations 

5 things sexually active people need to know about mpox 

JYNNEOS Vaccine for Mpox: Frequently Asked Questions