Mpox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness. Mpox virus has typically been found in west or central Africa. The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970. Since then, mpox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all mpox cases outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. However, the majority of cases in 2022 that are outside of Africa are being identified in many countries throughout the world and primarily involve men who have sex with men.

Currently, the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS, is a two-dose vaccine, with the second shot taken 28 days after the first shot. The mpox vaccine can be taken at most local health departments and healthcare provider offices in Illinois.

Most people recover from mpox without needing a specific treatment. However, there is an antiviral drug called TPOXX that can be given to people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems, or persons with severe disease (e.g., hemorrhagic disease, sepsis, encephalitis, or confluent lesions). Treatment is ordered from the Strategic National Stockpile through state and local health departments.

Currently, the mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS, is a two-dose vaccine, with the second shot taken 28 days after the first shot. The mpox vaccine can be taken at most local health departments and healthcare provider offices in Illinois.

Vaccination is recommended for people who are close personal contacts of people with mpox, people who may have been exposed to the virus, or people who may have increased risk of being exposed to the virus. As the current mpox outbreak is largely affecting gay and bisexual men (although anyone can get mpox from someone with mpox), gay and bisexual men are encouraged to receive the mpox vaccine at a local health department or healthcare provider office.

There are a lot of causes for rash illness besides mpox. If you have a rash illness, with or without accompanying symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and/or enlarged lymph nodes, it is advised that you contact your medical provider to seek mpox testing. Need link to vaccination providers page here

Anyone can get mpox. A lot of close contact with other people – skin-to-skin or face-to-face – can increase your risk. You can lower your risk by limiting your direct physical contact between yourself and others in crowded situations. In the current mpox outbreak,those in close, sexual networks (i.e., gay, bisexual, and other same-gender loving men) make up the majority of mpox cases. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has mpox is at risk. Link to “Vaccination” page Debunking common myths about vaccines Mpox Data