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Mpox

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Last updated October 30, 2024.

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Mpox cases are increasing in Colorado

There are two types of mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade II caused the worldwide mpox outbreak that began in 2022 and was mainly spread through close physical contact, especially during sex, and affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men more than others. Clade I is more contagious and causes more severe infections than clade II.

Clade I mpox has never been reported in the United States and the risk to the general population in the U.S. remains very low. However, there has been a continued increase in clade I mpox cases reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during 2023-24, cases in nearby countries, including in cities where it could spread quickly, and a case reported in Sweden.

Mpox can be transmitted from person to person when someone who has mpox has close contact with someone else. Close contact includes sex or touching the sores, bumps, or lesions of someone who has mpox. Brief interactions without physical contact, like you might have during travel, are not likely to result in getting the virus.

Anyone can get mpox. The virus does not discriminate against any group. Based on recent data, men who have sex with men may be at higher risk for contracting mpox. Transgender women and gender-diverse people may also be at higher risk.

Jynneos vaccine can prevent mpox. If you have close contact with someone with mpox or are at high risk for exposure, you should get vaccinated. The vaccine can be given between layers of the skin (intradermally) or in the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneously). You can ask to get the vaccine in a way that will not cause a scar (subcutaneously).

Two doses of the vaccine provide the best protection from mpox, even if it’s been longer than four weeks since your first dose. You can check your vaccine record online.

Many providers across Colorado have free mpox vaccines for people who are uninsured or underinsured. No ID, insurance, or out-of-pocket payment is needed to get vaccinated at clinics where free, publicly-funded vaccines are available. Mpox vaccines are now available to providers through the commercial market. The cost of commercial Jynneos vaccine is covered by some health insurance plans. If you have health insurance, call your insurance company to ask if your plan covers Jynneos.

Know the symptoms of mpox:

  • New rash or bumps on the skin
    • The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
    • The rash goes through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
  • Flu-like symptoms, like fever, chills, and muscle aches

If you have symptoms and may have been exposed, ask a health care provider about testing and treatment — even if you are vaccinated against mpox. Mpox testing is available across the state. If your health care provider thinks you have mpox, they may ask you to consider taking part in STOMP, a clinical trial to study tecovirimat (TPOXX) for the treatment of mpox. This trial includes healthy individuals, children and pregnant people. TPOXX is free and remote enrollment is available.

If you are not eligible for enrollment in STOMP or decide not to take part, your provider might still prescribe TPOXX for you if you are eligible under CDC’s expanded access (compassionate use) program. This option is largely for people who have or are likely to get a long-lasting, life-threatening case of mpox because they have a severely weakened immune system or certain active skin conditions.

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Mpox is a virus in the orthopox family of viruses, which includes smallpox. Mpox can cause serious illness.

People with mpox often get a rash or bumps that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. They may also have flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and exhaustion.

People with a new rash or bumps who think they may have been exposed should get tested for mpox, even if they have been vaccinated against mpox or have already had mpox. Treatment is available for people at higher risk or those with severe disease. Treatment may also be available for anyone with mpox through a clinical trial, even those not at high risk. 

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

For all travelers to areas with clade I mpox cases:

  • Review the CDC Travel Health Notice for Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries before traveling.
  • Protect yourself by: 
    • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick with signs and symptoms of mpox, including those with skin or genital lesions. 
    • Avoiding contact with dead or live wild animals. 
    • Avoiding contact with contaminated materials used by sick people, like clothing, bedding, or materials used in health care settings. 
    • Avoiding materials that came into contact with wild animals.
    • Avoiding eating or preparing meat from wild animals (bushmeat), or using products made from wild animals in mpox-endemic countries.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you develop new, unexplained skin rash (lesions on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills, and avoid contact with others.
    • Tell your doctor or health care provider where you traveled during the last 21 days before developing symptoms. This information is important so testing is done quickly and clade-specific testing is ordered, if needed. 
  • Consider getting vaccinated against mpox if you are currently recommended for vaccination.
    • CDC recommends that people who are eligible for vaccination receive two doses of the Jynneos vaccine for the best protection. People at risk for mpox who have only received one dose more than 28 days ago should receive a second dose as soon as possible. Jynneos vaccine is believed to protect against both mpox clades.
  • There are no specific mpox vaccination recommendations for travelers if they do not have risk factors.

Number of human cases

 

202220232024
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This table is updated weekly on Wednesdays by 4 p.m.