Mpox

Last updated June 6, 2023.

Mpox is a virus in the orthopox family of viruses, which includes smallpox. Mpox is rare, but it can be serious for people who get it. Cases of mpox have decreased in Colorado since the height of the outbreak in summer 2022.

People with mpox often get a rash or bumps that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. They may also have flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and exhaustion. People with a new rash or bumps who suspect they may have been exposed should get tested for mpox, even if they have been vaccinated against mpox or have already had mpox.

Mpox can be transmitted from person to person when someone who has mpox has close contact with someone else. Close contact can mean touching the sores, bumps, or lesions of someone who has mpox. Close contact includes sex. Brief interactions without physical contact are unlikely to result in getting the virus.

A vaccine called Jynneos can help prevent mpox. People who have recently been exposed to mpox or are at higher risk for exposure should get vaccinated.

Colorado case numbers from the 2022 mpox outbreak are listed below according to the month in which a person first presented with mpox symptoms. CDPHE continues to monitor for mpox transmission in the state and will provide regular updates to the public if there is another outbreak or surge in cases in Colorado.

Date of presentation Number of human cases
May 2022 2
June 2022 6
July 2022 66
August 2022 157
September 2022 80
October 2022 32
November 2022 45
December 2022 16
January 2023 1
February 2023 0
Total 405

 

Vaccine data dashboard

This data dashboard provides information on the number of mpox vaccine doses administered, the number of people vaccinated with a dose of mpox vaccine, and daily and cumulative doses administered over time. It includes all Jynneos vaccine doses entered in the state’s Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) on or after May 27, 2022, when the state first began administering mpox vaccine.