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.

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.

• 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.