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Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Mpox

Mpox

In support of the Nov. 28, 2022 recommendation by the World Health Organization, U.S. Health​ and Human Services and CDC, KDPH will adopt mpox as the term used to refer to monkeypox disease.

​Mpox

Mpox is a disease caused by the mpox virus and spread through contact with the virus from an infected animal, infected person, or virus-contaminated objects and materials. Direct contact with sores, scabs, or body fluids of an infected person is the primary method of spread; but, it also may spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face or intimate contact with an infected person. According to the CDC, in the current mpox outbreak, the virus is spreading primarily through sexual contact; however, infections have occurred through other exposures, including non-sexual contact with infectious lesions.​

Mpox typically begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough), exhaustion, and a rash.  The illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks and infected persons are considered contagious while symptoms are present. Those concerned about mpox should contact their healthcare providers.​

Beginning January 2023, the Mpox Report will be updated monthly. Due to evolving data and timing, CDC, state and local data sometimes will differ.​​​​

To view Kentucky-specific mpox data click the button below:

​​​ ​​​​​Kentucky Mpox Data Dashboard​ ​


​Frequently Asked Questions​​​

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox symptoms may include a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body such as genitals. Additional flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, muscle aches and/or exhaustion. In some cases, it causes more serious complications like pneumonia and other illnesses. Most people do not require hospitalization or die from mpox. The mpox virus is spreading mostly through close, physical contact with someone who has mpox. ​

Symptoms of mpox can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
  • A rash that 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 and may be painful or itchy. The rash goes through different stages before healing completely.

The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms that start before or after the rash. Others only experience a rash.

If you have symptoms or medical concerns about mpox, contact your local health department or healthcare provider. For more information about mpox visit the CDC website.​

Individuals in Kentucky have been diagnosed with mpox infection. Testing capability recently was expanded to provide the opportunity for more Kentuckians to be tested. If you have symptoms of mpox, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options. You can learn more about U.S. mpox outbreak 2022 and the Kentucky case count at the CDC website. 

  • Mpox can spread from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or sex. In addition, pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetuses through the placenta.
  • Touching items such as clothing or household linens that have been in contact with the infectious rash or body fluids is one-way mpox spreads. It's also possible to get mpox from infected animals by being scratched or bitten by the animal or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
  • People who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.
  • Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash fully heals and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
  • According to the CDC, in the current mpox outbreak, the virus is spreading primarily through sexual contact; however, infections have occurred through other exposures, including non-sexual contact with infectious lesions.


Take the following steps to avoid getting mpox:

  • Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like mpox.
  • Have conversations with partners before close contact. 
  • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have intimate contact with someone with mpox.
  • Do not share food, beverages, dishes, cups/glasses or eating utensils with someone who has mpox.
  • Do not handle or touch bedding, towels or clothing used or worn by someone with mpox.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Anyone who thinks they have mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has mpox should visit a healthcare provider to help them decide if they need to be tested. If it is determined you should be tested, healthcare providers will work with you to collect specimens and send them to a laboratory for testing.​

See a healthcare provider if you notice a new or unexplained rash or other monkeypox symptoms. Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with others until a healthcare provider examines you. Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until a healthcare provider examines you. If you're waiting for test results, follow the same precautions. Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider for testing and treatment options. If you have symptoms or medical concerns about mpox, contact your local health department or healthcare provider. For more information about mpox visit the CDC website.​

If your mpox test result is positive, or if you are waiting for your test results, stay isolated and take precautions. People can spread mpox from the time symptoms start until all symptoms have resolved, including complete healing of the rash with the formation of a fresh layer of skin. Ideally, people with mpox should remain in isolation for the duration of the illness, which typically lasts two to four weeks.​Learn more about what to do if you test positive for mpox at:  https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Documents/MPXIfYouTestPositive.pdf​​

No treatments specifically for mpox virus infections are available. However, because of genetic similarities in the viruses, antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox may be used to treat mpox infections. If you have symptoms of mpox, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options. ​

Yes.The vaccine is two doses given at least 4 weeks apart. Vaccine recipients are considered to have the best immunity 2 weeks after the second dose. The vaccine helps prevent getting mpox and makes it less severe if you do contract mpox.

If you have been contacted by a local health department or healthcare provider, please make a follow-up appointment to discuss your vaccination options.  

 Yes, please check out the CDC mpox vaccine locator to find the closest vaccine location.  Please reach out directly to the location closest to you to schedule an appointment​​.

​Yes, if mpox vaccine is recommended due to an outbreak, vaccination should not be delayed because of recent receipt of a Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. There is no minimum interval needed between COVID-19 vaccination and mpox vaccine (Jynneos) administration.

People, particularly adolescent or young adult males, might consider waiting 4 weeks after receiving a mpox vaccine before receiving a Moderna, Novavax, or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine because of the observed risk for myocarditis and pericarditis after receipt of mRNA (i.e., Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines and the unknown risk for myocarditis and pericarditis after the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Additional information is available on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#timing-spacing-interchangeability 

Where can I get a mpox vaccine?

If you think you may be eligible to receive a mpox vaccine, please reach out to your health care provider or local health department to schedule an appointment.​

group of medical staff in cartoon form 

Mpox Healthca​re Provider Resources

Additional information for healthcare providers about mpox.
​ Learn ​More​​​ ​

Contact Information

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