Mpox is a contagious disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is an Orthopoxvirus and one of four that can infect humans; variola (which causes smallpox), vaccinia (used in the smallpox and mpox vaccine), and cowpox. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to humans. It can also spread from person-to-person principally through direct contact with rash, scabs, body fluid, and to a lesser extent, respiratory secretions or by touching items previously in contact with the rash or body fluids. Anyone can be infected by mpox, and the CDC is providing information to a wide audience about symptoms and the behaviors that can lead to the spread of mpox. However, some communities are impacted more than others. To learn more, read the information provided by the CDC.

The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970. It is endemic in several Central and West African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all mpox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals. The current outbreak outside of Africa involves a different strain of mpox virus that causes a less severe illness.

Patients with mpox may experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, malaise, headache and muscle aches followed by onset of a rash that develops into pustular skin lesions. Not everyone with mpox develops all of the symptoms. A person is considered infectious from the onset of illness until all lesions have crusted over and those scabs have separated revealing a layer of healthy skin.

In 2019, FDA licensed JYNNEOS, a replication-deficient Modified Vaccinia Ankara vaccine, for prevention of smallpox or mpox disease in adults aged ≥18 years determined to be at high risk for infection with these viruses. About 97% of vaccinated individuals are protected about 2 weeks after administration of two doses of JYNNEOS administered one month apart or after formation of the pustule at the vaccination site with ACAM2000.

Please find mpox clinical resources geared toward health care personnel in the Department of Defense. Focus on this page is on vaccines used for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis. However, links to diagnostic and treatment resources are also provided. Note that information is subject to frequently change as more information becomes available.