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Mpox

Go to: Transmission | Prevention | Symptoms

Mpox Outbreak in Central Africa

The World Health Organization has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern. This is due to a large outbreak of mpox in Democratic Republic of Congo, with some spread to other countries. This outbreak involves a different variant of mpox (clade I) than the one that has been circulating in New York City and elsewhere in the U.S. (clade II). Clade I mpox appears to be more infectious and cause more serious disease than clade II. The JYNNEOS vaccine protects against clade I mpox and is expected to protect against clade II mpox.

There have been no cases of clade I mpox in the U.S.

2024 Cases

Since January 1, 2024, 371 people in New York City have tested positive for mpox. There have been 20 cases in the last month (September 8, 2024 to October 5, 2024).

Data are as of October 10 at 1 p.m. These data will be updated on the second Thursday of every month.


Mpox is a contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. In the U.S., cases have mainly spread through sex and other intimate contact among social networks of gay men and other men who have sex with men and transgender people. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has mpox is at risk for infection.

If you have a new or unexpected rash or sores, contact a health care provider right away. Tell your health care provider about any recent travel.


Transmission

In the U.S., mpox is spreading almost exclusively through oral, anal and vaginal sex, and other intimate contact such as rimming, hugging, kissing, biting, cuddling and massaging.

Mpox can spread:

  • Through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus, which is most common
  • Through contact with mucus and saliva from a person with mpox
  • Through contact with clothing, bedding and other items used by a person with mpox, which is less common
  • From a pregnant person to a fetus during pregnancy, or to a newborn during or after birth
  • From animals to people through direct contact with an infected animal, from contact with fluids or waste, or by getting bitten or scratched, although this is not the way the virus is spreading in the U.S.

It is not yet known whether mpox can spread through semen, vaginal fluid, urine or feces.

A person with mpox can spread the virus to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Some people can spread mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms appear — it is not known how common this is. The extent to which people who never develop symptoms can spread the virus to someone else is being studied. Currently, no evidence suggests that people who never have symptoms can spread the virus, but experts are still studying this.

For more information, see CDC: How Mpox Spreads.


Prevention

Vaccination is a safe way to prevent yourself from getting mpox and may also reduce your symptoms. You should get vaccinated against mpox if you may have been exposed or could be at risk of exposure in the future. See the Vaccination page for more information about vaccination, including recommendations for who should get vaccinated.

The following can help reduce your risk of getting and spreading mpox:

  • Do not have sex or other intimate contact if you or your partners have a new or unexplained rash or sores or feel sick until you or they see a health care provider.
  • Reduce your number of partners, especially those whose recent sexual history you do not know.
  • Ask your partners if they have mpox symptoms or feel sick.
  • Make a habit of exchanging contact information with any new partner to allow for sexual health follow-up, if needed.
  • Limit going to sex parties, circuit parties and other spaces where people are having sex or other intimate contact with multiple people.
  • If you choose to have sex or other intimate contact while sick, or go somewhere where you may have close direct contact with others, cover all rashes and sores with clothing or sealed bandages. This may reduce the risk of spreading mpox to other people through contact with the rash or sores, but other methods of transmission may still be possible.
  • Use condoms and gloves:
    • Condoms (latex or polyurethane) may protect your mouth, penis anus or vagina from exposure to mpox; however, condoms alone may not prevent all exposures to mpox since the rash can occur on other parts of the body.
    • Gloves (latex, polyurethane or nitrile) may reduce exposure if inserting fingers or hands into the anus or the vagina. The gloves must cover all exposed skin and be removed carefully to avoid touching the outer surface.
  • Do not share towels, clothing, bedding, fetish gear, sex toys or toothbrushes.
  • Wash your hands, fetish gear, towels and bedding. Sex toys should be washed after each use or sex act.

Prevention Resources


Symptoms

Six images of lesions to help identify mpox rash
Photo credit: UK Health Security Agency

In the U.S., death from mpox is rare, but symptoms can be painful and interfere with daily activities. Symptoms can be from mild to severe.

Symptoms usually start in three to 17 days after exposure and can last for two to four weeks.

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can initially look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals or anus. The rash and sores can be extremely itchy and painful, and sores in the anus or urethra can make it hard to go to the bathroom. Some people also have flu-like symptoms either before or at the same time as a rash, such as sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache and tiredness.

Complications can include inflammation of the lining of the rectum (proctitis), or sores that could result in scarring of the eye, mouth, anus, urethra or other body parts.

We do not know if mpox causes long-term health problems.

If You Have Symptoms

If you have symptoms that could be mpox, even if they are mild, talk to your health care provider. Tell your provider about any recent travel. A provider will check your symptoms and may order testing for mpox and other infections. Testing for mpox involves a provider taking a swab of a sore. Your provider can prescribe treatment and pain management, if necessary.

If you do not have a health care provider, call 311 or search the NYC Health Map.

For more information on care, treatment and the precautions you should take to keep yourself and others safe, visit What to Do When Sick.


2022 Data

These resources show data and cases from the mpox outbreak in NYC from May to December, 2022. Data show confirmed and probable cases of mpox among people who live in NYC. Cases in people who primarily reside outside of NYC are not included.


Additional Resources