Mpox Outbreak
Cook County Health is offering mpox vaccination at several health centers, including suburban Cook County locations in Arlington Heights, Blue Island and North Riverside.
Learn More
CDC is urging healthcare providers in the United States to be alert for patients who have rash illnesses consistent with mpox. (See FAQs tab for symptoms).
If you are a healthcare provider, see the CCDPH mpox Information for Healthcare Providers page for more information.
About the 2022 Mpox Outbreak
CCDPH continues to respond to the mpox outbreak in suburban Cook County. Currently, the risk to the general public is low. We have been actively engaged in a number of strategies to reduce the spread of mpox, including:
- Facilitating testing and conducting contact tracing for cases
- Ensuring contacts and high-risk individuals have access to vaccination
- Connecting high-risk cases to treatment
- Public communication and community outreach
Since mid-May, the CDC, state and local health departments have been closely tracking an outbreak of mpox that has spread across several countries that don’t normally report the disease, including the United States.
Most of the current mpox cases in the U.S. are occurring in social networks of men who have sex with men and individuals with multiple or anonymous sex partners. However, it is not limited to these individuals.
Key Events
- On July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- On Aug. 1, 2022, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker declared mpox a public health emergency in the state of Illinois, to rapidly mobilize all available public health resources to prevent and treat mpox and ensure smooth coordination at all levels of government.
- On Aug. 4, 2022, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra declared mpox a Public Health Emergency (PHE) to further strengthen and accelerate the federal response to the continued rapid transmission of mpox in the U.S. and globally.

Total Cases
Hospitalizations
Deaths
Residents Vaccinated
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a contagious disease caused by the mpox virus.
Mpox is not as contagious as COVID-19 or the flu. The risk of spread is highest during oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, and other intimate contact such as hugging, kissing, cuddling and massage.
It is most often spread through:
- Direct, prolonged contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus
- Coming in contact with clothing, bedding or other items used by the person with the virus
- Respiratory droplets passed through prolonged face-to-face contact over several hours
For more information, visit the CDC Mpox page.
Mpox in Suburban Cook County
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is tracking mpox cases and contacts in suburban Cook County. The risk to the general public is currently low. The graphs below contain information about confirmed mpox cases in suburban Cook County by age, race, sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation. Data is updated the first Monday of every month.
Date Last Updated: March 14, 2023
Data are provisional and subject to change.
Cases by Age Group
Age Group | Count | (%) |
---|---|---|
0-17 | 2 | (1.5%) |
18-24 | 11 | (8.1%) |
25-34 | 48 | (35.6%) |
35-44 | 46 | (34.1%) |
45-54 | 23 | (17%) |
55-64 | 5 | (3.7%) |
65+ | 0 | (0%) |
Total | 135 | (100%) |
Cases by Sex
Sex | Count | (%) |
---|---|---|
Male | 128 | (94.8%) |
Female | 7 | (5.2%) |
Total | 135 | (100%) |
Cases by Race/Ethnicity
Race/Ethnicity | Count | (%) |
---|---|---|
Hispanic/Latinx | 48 | (35.6%) |
Black, not Hispanic/Latinx | 46 | (34.1%) |
White, not Hispanic/Latinx | 33 | (24.4%) |
Other, not Hispanic/Latinx | 5 | (3.7%) |
Asian, not Hispanic/Latinx | 2 | (1.5%) |
Unknown | 1 | (0.7%) |
Total | 135 | (100%) |
Cases by Sexual Orientation
Sexual Orientation | Count | (%) |
---|---|---|
Lesbian or Gay | 47 | (34.8%) |
Unknown | 41 | (30.4%) |
Bisexual | 22 | (16.3%) |
Straight, Not Gay or Lesbian | 22 | (16.3%) |
Other | 3 | (2.2%) |
Total | 135 | (100%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ fact sheets and social media graphics can be downloaded in English and Spanish by clicking on the Communications Materials tab.
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
Infections with the type of mpox virus identified in this outbreak—the West African type—are rarely fatal. Over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. However, people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die.
Although the West African type is rarely fatal, symptoms can be extremely painful, and people might have permanent scarring resulting from the rash.
Below are some examples of what mpox looks like. For more information please visit the CDC website
Anyone can get mpox. As of 8/18/2022, vaccine eligibility criteria for mpox vaccination will include anyone (including students enrolled in universities/colleges), who meets EITHER of the following criteria AND has not previously been infected with mpox:
- Anyone who had close contact (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) with someone diagnosed with mpox regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender persons who are sexually active.
If this sounds like you, or you have symptoms of mpox, contact a healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call Cook County Health at 312-864-0200 or the HIV Resource Hub at 844-482-4040. CDC recommends vaccination within 4 days from the date of exposure for the best chance to avoid getting mpox.
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Rash on face, body or genitals
Please note: Some individuals may only get a rash and no other symptoms.
If you have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, rash or sores on face, body or genitals:
- Stay home and away from other people (isolate).
- Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call Cook County Health at 312-864-0200 or the HIV Resource Hub at 844-482-4040.
- Wear a mask and cover rash (if present) when you go to the appointment.
- If you have a rash or sore available for testing, the healthcare provider will call the health department for next steps. The healthcare provider will take a sample from the rash or sore to send to a lab.
- Wear a mask and keep rash covered while in public and continue to isolate while waiting for test results.
Mpox can spread in various ways. Mpox can spread person-to-person through:
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling or sex
- Handling personal items like bedding, towels, laundry, utensils, fetish gear and sex toys
No. mpox is spread by direct contact with:
- Infectious rash, scabs or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions shared during prolonged face-to-face and physical contact (kissing, cuddling or sex)
- Personal items like bedding, towels, laundry, utensils, fetish gear and sex toys.
As of 8/18/2022, vaccine eligibility criteria for mpox vaccination will include anyone (including students enrolled in universities/colleges), who meets EITHER of the following criteria AND has not previously been infected with mpox:
- Anyone who had close contact (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) with someone diagnosed with mpox regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender persons who are sexually active.
If this sounds like you, contact a healthcare provider. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call Cook County Health at 312-864-0200 or the HIV Resource Hub at 844-482-4040.
- If vaccination is given 4–14 days after the date of exposure, it may reduce symptoms, but may not prevent mpox infection.
- CDC recommends vaccination within 4 days from the date of exposure to avoid getting mpox.
- The sooner an exposed person gets the vaccine, the better.
Side effects are common and usually mild. Most people have redness, swelling and pain where they got the shot. You may feel tired, have a headache and muscle pain.
- Most people recover from mpox without needing treatment.
- There is an antiviral drug called Tecovirimat (TPOXX) that can be given to people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems, genital or eye lesions, or are pregnant.
- TPOXX must be prescribed by a physician in coordination with the local health department (CCDPH).
- For more information, talk to your provider or visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/Tecovirimat.html
Please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website for school guidance and daycare guidance, including patient isolation procedures and prevention and control measures.
People who think 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 for mpox. If they decide that you should be tested, they will work with you to collect the specimens and send them to a laboratory for testing.
If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call Cook County Health at 312-864-0200 or the HIV Resource Hub at 844-482-4040.
Cook County Health is offering mpox vaccination at several health centers, including suburban Cook County locations in Arlington Heights, Blue Island and North Riverside. Learn More.
Click on the “Get Care” tab above for a list of CCH and CCDPH vaccination partners.
In suburban Cook County, we are distributing vaccine to healthcare providers who reach eligible populations. Please be patient. There is currently not enough vaccine for all those who qualify to receive a dose, but this is expected to improve as more vaccine becomes available.
If you meet the eligibility criteria under "Should I get vaccinated for mpox?" you can:
- Contact your healthcare provider. (Note: If the provider is not familiar with mpox, encourage them to visit our website for more information.) OR
- Click the "Get Care" tab to see the list of healthcare providers who are offering JYNNEOS™ vaccination in suburban Cook County. (Note: Supplies are limited. Appointments may be required.).
- If you are a Chicago resident, please click here for more information.
Get Care
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has a limited supply of JYNNEOS™ vaccine for those considered high risk for mpox infection. The JYNNEOS™ vaccine is fully licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults 18 years of age and older and is available via Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for individuals less than 18 years of age. JYNNEOS™ is a two-dose vaccine given under the skin 28 days apart. Currently supply is limited but expected to increase in the coming weeks and months.
Click below for information about vaccine eligibility and how to get vaccinated. A list of vaccine providers in suburban Cook County are listed under “How to Get Vaccinated.”
Who Should Get Vaccinated
CCDPH mpox Vaccine Eligibility
- You have NOT been previously infected with mpox
AND
2. Have been exposed to mpox
AND/OR
3. Are in a population deemed currently to be at higher risk of being exposed to mpox
*Currently includes:
- Having a diagnosis of HIV.
- Being eligible and/or currently taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection.
- Identifying as a bisexual, gay, or other same-gender loving man who is currently sexually active.
- Identifying as a transgender or non-binary person who is currently sexually active.
- Having a diagnosis of an STI (sexually transmitted disease) in the past 6 months.
- Having had sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g. sex club or bathhouse) in the past 6 months.
- Having had sex at an event or venue where mpox transmission is known to have occurred.
- Exchanging goods or services for sex.
How to Get Vaccinated
In suburban Cook County, we are distributing vaccine to healthcare providers who reach eligible populations. Please be patient. There is currently not enough vaccine for all those who qualify to receive a dose, but this is expected to improve as more vaccine becomes available.
If you think you are eligible, you can:
- Contact your healthcare provider. (Note: If the provider is not familiar with mpox, encourage them to visit our website for more information.) OR
- See the list below of healthcare providers who are offering JYNNEOS™ vaccination. (Note: Supplies are limited. Appointments may be required.).
- If you are a Chicago resident, please click here for more information.
Cook County Health Locations
Partner Locations
Facility/Website | Address | Phone | Appointment Info |
---|---|---|---|
Alivio Medical Center | 6447 W. Cermak Rd., Berwyn | 773-254-1400 | Appointment Required |
Alivio Medical Center at Corazon Community Health | 5339 W 25th St., Cicero | 773-254-1400 | Two dates only: 8/24, 8/31 (Wednesdays) Appointments required |
Broadway Medical Center | 153 1/2 Broadway Ave., Melrose Park | 708-345-8960 | Appointment Required |
Broadway Medical Center | 4009 Warren Ave., Bellwood | 708-345-8960 | Appointment Required |
Esperanza | 2001 S. California Ave., Suite 100, Chicago | (773) 584-6200 | Appointment Required |
Holy Family Pharmacy | 1400 E Golf Rd., Des Plaines | 847-296-1400 | Appointment Required |
Howard Brown Health Clark | 6500 N. Clark St., Chicago | 773-388-1600 | Appointment Required |
Howard Brown Health Sheridan | 4025 N Sheridan Rd., Chicago | 773-388-1600 | Appointment Required |
Howard Brown Health 63rd Street | 641 W 63rd Street, Chicago | 773-388-1600 | Appointment Required |
Howard Brown Health 55th Street | 1525 E 55th Street, Chicago | 773-388-1600 | Appointment Required |
Project Wish/ UIC | 840 S Wood St., Room B40, Chicago | Appointment Website | Appointment Required |
Rush University Adolescent Family Center | 1645 W Jackson Blvd., Suite 315A, Chicago | 888-352-7874 | Appointment Required |
Wellness Home- Halsted | 3416 S. Halsted St, Chicago | 773-621-7725 | Appointment Required |
Wellness Home - Lakeview | 2835 N. Sheffield Ave., #500, Chicago | 773-296-2400 | Appointment Required |
If you have symptoms, call your doctor. If you do not have a health care provider, call Cook County Health at 312-864-0200 or HIV Resource Hub at 844-482-4040.
Communications Materials
Click below to download social media graphics, FAQs, palm cards and more.
Image | Content | Categories | Date | Link | hf:doc_categories |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mpox and Safer Sex 3 (JPG): Mpox and Safer Sex Social Media Graphic |
Mpox, Mpox English | September 7, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Mpox and Safer Sex 2 (JPG): Mpox and Safer Sex Social Media Graphic |
Mpox, Mpox English | September 7, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Mpox and Safer Sex 1 (JPG): Mox and Safer Sex Social Media Graphic |
Mpox, Mpox English | September 7, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Who is eligible for mpox vaccine? (JPG): Who is eligible for mpox vaccine? Social Media Graphic |
Mpox, Mpox English | September 7, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Mpox & Safer Sex Fact Sheet (PDF): Mpox & Safer Sex Facts |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 29, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Flyer Graphic (PDF): About mpox FAQs |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Flyer Graphic: CDC Monkeypox and Safer Sex from the CDC |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Flyer Graphic: CDC Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement from the CDC |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: Mpox – Answer the call |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic:Anyone can get mpox |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: Can you get mpox through casual contact? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: How is mpox spread? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: What’s the mpox risk for kids going back to school? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: Does the mpox vaccine have side effects? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: About mpox treatment |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: What are the symptoms of mpox? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: What should I do if I have mpox symptoms? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: Who can get mpox? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: Will the mpox vaccination prevent Monkeypox? |
Mpox, Mpox English | August 4, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Social Media Graphic: CDC Monkeypox Rash Images |
Mpox, Mpox English | July 15, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Flyer Graphic: IDHP Monkeypox Infographic (Legal Paper Size) |
Mpox, Mpox English | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Inside Tri-Fold English |
Mpox, Mpox English | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English |
Mpox, Mpox English | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Inside Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English |
Mpox, Mpox English | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-english | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Cover Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English |
Mpox, Mpox English | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-english |
Image | Content | Categories | Date | Link | hf:doc_categories |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mpox Fact Sheet – Spanish (PDF): Mpox & Safer Sex Fact Sheet – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | September 13, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Mpox Social Media Graphic – Spanish (JPG): Mpox Eligibility Social Media Graphic – Spanish (Square) |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | September 13, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: Will mpox vaccination prevent mpox? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: Who can get mpox? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: What should I do if I have mpox symptoms? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: What is the mpox risk for kids going back to school ? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: Does the mpox vaccine have Side-Effects? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: Can you get mpox through casual contact? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: How is mpox spread? – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: Anyone can get mpox – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: Answer the call mpox – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Social Media Graphic: About mpox treatment – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
PDF Document: Mpox Fact Sheet – in Spanish, Acerca de la Viruela del Mono (mpox) |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | August 9, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Inside Tri-Fold – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Tri-Fold – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Inside Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish | ||
Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Pamphlet Tri-Fold – Spanish |
Mpox, Mpox Spanish | July 6, 2022 | mpox mpox-spanish |
Partners
The mpox outbreak is escalating rapidly, and healthcare providers and schools are asked to establish plans for their organizations. Below are links to information for each of these partner groups.
Updated March 14, 2023, 7:19 PM