Mpox is a rare disease caused by a virus. People with mpox get a rash that may be located near their genitals or on other areas such as the hands, chest or face. While the disease is not often fatal, it can be very painful.
The U.S. and other countries experienced an mpox outbreak in 2022, peaking in the summertime. Thanks to a strong public health response, the U.S. mpox emergency ended on January 31, 2023, and the World Health Organization followed suit on May 11, 2023, declaring mpox was no longer a global health emergency.
While the emergency declarations have ended, community spread of mpox continues.
The populations most affected by mpox continue to be gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men as well as transgender and nonbinary people, with a disproportionate number of cases among Black and Hispanic or Latino men.
Vaccination is essential to address the potential increase in mpox cases during summer events. People who have been exposed to mpox and those who may be more likely to get the disease should be vaccinated. To get the vaccine, contact your health care provider or local health department.
Note: APHA is now using the term "mpox" instead of "monkeypox" per the November 2022 recommendation from the WHO. Previously produced pieces and external links may still use “monkeypox.”
Mpox resources
Webinar
Mpox: The State of the Science
APHA and the National Academy of Medicine hosted this free webinar on Aug. 18, 2022. A panel of experts discussed the current state of the science of mpox, the disease epidemiology as we understand it today, available and emergent prevention options, critical research questions we need to answer, and what we should consider and plan for as we respond to this outbreak.
Watch the recording on APHA Now.