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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 GroupCount(%)
0-172(1.5%)
18-2411(8.1%)
25-3448(35.6%)
35-4446(34.1%)
45-5423(17%)
55-645(3.7%)
65+0(0%)
Total135(100%)

Cases by Sex

SexCount(%)
Male128(94.8%)
Female7(5.2%)
Total135(100%)

Cases by Race/Ethnicity

Race/EthnicityCount(%)
Hispanic/Latinx48(35.6%)
Black, not Hispanic/Latinx46(34.1%)
White, not Hispanic/Latinx33(24.4%)
Other, not Hispanic/Latinx5(3.7%)
Asian, not Hispanic/Latinx2(1.5%)
Unknown1(0.7%)
Total135(100%)

Cases by Sexual Orientation

Sexual OrientationCount(%)
Lesbian or Gay47(34.8%)
Unknown41(30.4%)
Bisexual22(16.3%)
Straight, Not Gay or Lesbian22(16.3%)
Other3(2.2%)
Total135(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.

What is mpox?

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.

Is mpox deadly?

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.

What does mpox look like?

Below are some examples of what mpox looks like. For more information please visit the CDC website 

Am I at risk for mpox?

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.

What are the symptoms of 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.

What should I do if I have mpox 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.
How is mpox spread?

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
Can you get mpox through casual contact?

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.
Should I get vaccinated for 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, 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.

Will mpox vaccination prevent mpox?
  • 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.
Does the mpox vaccine have side effects?

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.

What do I need to know about mpox treatment?
  • 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
What is the latest guidance for schools and daycare?
Who should get tested for mpox?

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.

Where can I go for mpox vaccination?

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.

How can I get vaccinated for mpox?

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

  1. 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

Facility/Website Address Phone
Arlington Heights Health Center 3250 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 300, Arlington Heights 833-308-1988
Blue Island Health Center 12757 S. Western Ave., Blue Island 833-308-1988
North Riverside Health Center 1800 S. Harlem Ave., Suite A, North Riverside 833-308-1988

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.

Mpox Communications Materials - in English
Image Content Categories Date Link hf:doc_categories
Mpox and Safer Sex 3 -Social Media Graphic

Mpox and Safer Sex 3 (JPG): Mpox and Safer Sex Social Media Graphic

, September 7, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Mpox and Safer Sex 2 -Social Media Graphic

Mpox and Safer Sex 2 (JPG): Mpox and Safer Sex Social Media Graphic

, September 7, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Mpox and Safer Sex 1 -Social Media Graphic

Mpox and Safer Sex 1 (JPG): Mox and Safer Sex Social Media Graphic

, September 7, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Who is eligible for mpox vaccine? Social Media Graphic

Who is eligible for mpox vaccine? (JPG): Who is eligible for mpox vaccine? Social Media Graphic

, September 7, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Mpox & Safer Sex Facts

Mpox & Safer Sex Fact Sheet  (PDF): Mpox & Safer Sex Facts

, August 29, 2022 mpox mpox-english
About mpox FAQs

Flyer Graphic (PDF): About mpox FAQs

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CDC Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement

Flyer Graphic: CDC Monkeypox and Safer Sex from the CDC

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CDC Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement

Flyer Graphic: CDC Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement from the CDC

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH MPOX-ANSWER THE CALL

Social Media Graphic: Mpox – Answer the call

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH ANYONE CAN GET MPOX

Social Media Graphic:Anyone can get mpox

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH CAN YOU GET MPOX THROUGH CASUAL CONTACT?

Social Media Graphic: Can you get mpox through casual contact?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH HOW IS MPOX SPREAD?

Social Media Graphic: How is mpox spread?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH WHAT'S THE MPOX RISK FOR KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL?

Social Media Graphic: What’s the mpox risk for kids going back to school?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH DOES THE MPOX VACCINE HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?

Social Media Graphic: Does the mpox vaccine have side effects?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH ABOUT MPOX TREATMENT

Social Media Graphic: About mpox treatment

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MPOX??

Social Media Graphic: What are the symptoms of mpox?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE MPOX SYMPTOMS?

Social Media Graphic: What should I do if I have mpox symptoms?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH WHO CAN GET MPOX??

Social Media Graphic: Who can get mpox?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CCDPH WILL MPOX VACCINATION PREVENT MONKEYPOX?

Social Media Graphic: Will the mpox vaccination prevent Monkeypox?

, August 4, 2022 mpox mpox-english
CDC Monkeypox Rash Images Social Media Graphic-English

Social Media Graphic: CDC Monkeypox Rash Images

, July 15, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Monkeypox IDPH Infographic (Legal Paper)-English

Flyer Graphic: IDHP Monkeypox Infographic (Legal Paper Size)

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Monkeypox IDPH Inside Tri-Fold-English

Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Inside Tri-Fold English

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Monkeypox IDPH Cover Tri-Fold-English

Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Monkeypox Blank Inside Tri-Fold-English

Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Inside Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Monkeypox Blank Cover Tri-Fold-English

Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Cover Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-english
Mpox Communications Materials - in Spanish
Image Content Categories Date Link hf:doc_categories
Mpox & Safer Sex Fact Sheet - Spanish

Mpox Fact Sheet – Spanish (PDF): Mpox & Safer Sex Fact Sheet – Spanish

, September 13, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Mpox Eligibility - Social Media Spanish (Square)

Mpox Social Media Graphic – Spanish (JPG): Mpox Eligibility Social Media Graphic – Spanish (Square)

, September 13, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Will mpox vaccination prevent mpox? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: Will mpox vaccination prevent mpox? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Who can get mpox? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: Who can get mpox? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
What should I do if I have mpox symptoms? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: What should I do if I have mpox symptoms? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
What is the mpox risk for kids going back to school ? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: What is the mpox risk for kids going back to school ? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Does the mpox vaccine have Side-Effects? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: Does the mpox vaccine have Side-Effects? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Can you get mpox through casual contact? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: Can you get mpox through casual contact? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
How is mpox spread? - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: How is mpox spread? – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Anyone can get mpox - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: Anyone can get mpox – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Answer the call mpox - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: Answer the call mpox – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
About mpox treatment - Spanish

Social Media Graphic: About mpox treatment – Spanish

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Mpox Fact Sheet (PDF) - in Spanish, Acerca de la Viruela del Mono (mpox)

PDF Document: Mpox Fact Sheet – in Spanish, Acerca de la Viruela del Mono (mpox)

, August 9, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Monkeypox IDPH Inside Tri-Fold-Spanish

Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Inside Tri-Fold – Spanish

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Monkeypox IDPH Cover Tri-Fold-Spanish

Pamphlet Graphic: IDHP Pamphlet Tri-Fold – Spanish

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Monkeypox Blank Inside Tri-Fold-Spanish

Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Inside Pamphlet Tri-Fold – English

, July 6, 2022 mpox mpox-spanish
Monkeypox Blank Cover Tri-Fold-Spanish

Pamphlet Graphic: Blank Pamphlet Tri-Fold – 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.

Information for Healthcare Providers

Information for Schools

Updated March 14, 2023, 7:19 PM