Mpox

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral illness that primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact, although it can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. It is endemic in some countries but not the United States, though several countries, including the United States, have seen cases in 2022.

Confirmed and probable cases in Maricopa County as of 9/21/2023

Data are updated every two weeks on Wednesday morning with reports as of close of business Tuesday


Confirmed and probable cases
Total
493


For more data, see the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) case counts map. Please note, CDC updates this map every two weeks.

Vaccine Availability

Currently, limited vaccine doses are available; however, there is enough of a supply to vaccinate those who are at higher risk of getting mpox.

The focus of vaccine eligibility requirements is on those who are at higher risk of being exposed so that people can get vaccinated before being exposed. The goal is to maximize PrEP, (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

If you have been identified as a close contact of someone diagnosed with mpox and are interested in post-exposure prophylaxis with the JYNNEOS vaccine, please contact the MCDPH CARES Team at 602-506-6767 to make an appointment.

  1. Individuals who are at higher risk of getting mpox include »
  • People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with mpox
  • People who in the past 12 months have had:
    • A new diagnosis of one or more nationally reportable sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., acute HIV, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
    • More than one sex partner
  • People who have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
    • Sex at a commercial sex venue
    • Sex in association with a large public event in a geographic area where mpox transmission is occurring
  • Sexual partners of people with the above risks
  • People who anticipate experiencing the above risks
  • Health care providers who work in settings where exposure to mpox infection is anticipated on a daily basis, such as:
    • Lab workers who routinely work with mpox specimens
    • Health care providers who work in sexual health/STI clinics
    • Health care providers who work in settings primarily serving LGBTQIA+ communities

Note: The vaccine is NOT recommended for the majority of healthcare providers at this time UNLESS they have a known mpox exposure. Only providers who work in settings where exposure to mpox infection is anticipated on a daily basis OR have had high risk exposure to an individual diagnosed with mpox are eligible for vaccination.

Anyone who fits into one or more of these categories can choose to get vaccinated against mpox.

  1. Where to find vaccine »
  1. Vaccine forms and information sheets »
  1. Important information about second doses »
  1. About intradermal administration »

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a mpox vaccine if I’ve had the smallpox vaccine? What if I don’t know if I’ve had the smallpox vaccine?

Both JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 are smallpox vaccines that have been approved for use to prevent mpox. Because it is better tolerated with fewer side effects, Maricopa County Department of Public Health is only administering JYNNEOS vaccine to prevent mpox at this time.

If you have completed the prescribed course for either of these vaccines in the last 3 years, you do not need additional vaccination against mpox. Smallpox vaccination that occurred more than 3 years ago will likely provide some protection against mpox but is not considered fully protective. If your smallpox vaccine was greater than three years ago and you are eligible for Jynneos vaccine you should be vaccinated.

  1. What are the side effects of the JYNNEOS vaccine?
  1. If the intradermal dose is smaller, is it as effective as the larger dose?
  1. Why is the vaccine given in the back of the arm or on the forearm?
  1. Does the vaccine contain live virus?
  1. Signs & Symptoms
  2. Transmission
  3. Prevention
  4. Treatment
  5. Healthcare Providers

Mpox typically begins with:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body.

  • Some people experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms and some people only experience a rash or sores
  • The rash or sores are sometimes located on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes in other areas like the hands, feet, chest or face – sores will go through several stages before healing (see below)
  • Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus

The rash may begin as small, flat, round discolorations that become raised and fluid-filled (clear or pus) before scabbing. These spots and the fluid in them carry virus that can infect others. Once scabs fall off, the area is no longer infectious.

The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks. Most patients with Mpox fully recover from the virus without treatment.

If you have symptoms, including any unexplained rash: Please call your healthcare provider and inform them of your symptoms. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can find one at 211 Arizona or call 602-506-6767 for assistance.

More on signs and symptoms from CDC

For more information, visit CDC.gov/mpox and mpox FAQs.