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Mpox Disease

Mpox is a contagious viral disease. Anyone can get and spread mpox. It is primarily spread through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact, during sex and other intimate contact.  It is not spread easily through air like COVID-19 and it rarely causes hospitalization or death. However, all New Yorkers should take precautions and learn more about how to prevent the spread of this virus.

During the 2022 global outbreak, mpox spread primarily among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, gender-nonconforming people and nonbinary people. People in these social circles who have multiple or anonymous sex partners are at high risk of exposure.

NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to be a key partner in New York City’s response to mpox. We are committed to making vaccine, testing and treatment available to New Yorkers regardless of insurance, ability to pay or immigration status. We work with community partners to support our approach to provide respectful and culturally responsive care, to eliminate stigma and ensure equitable access to our services. Our health care professionals respect our patient’s privacy and protect confidentiality.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is a rash or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. These may be all over the body or just in certain parts, such as the face, hands or feet, as well as on or inside the mouth, genitals or rectum.

If you start experiencing symptoms, isolate from others immediately and talk to your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call 1-844-NYC-4NYC or talk to a doctor online at: expresscare.nyc.

Testing

You should get tested for mpox only if you are experiencing symptoms of a rash or developed sores.

The test consists of swabbing skin lesions and must be done by a health care professional and sent to a laboratory for processing. It is important to isolate from others while you are waiting for your test results, which may take several days. Testing is available at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities.

To find out if you should get tested, call your doctor or talk to an NYC Health + Hospitals Virtual ExpressCare doctor online at expresscare.nyc.

Vaccination Appointments

Vaccination is available by appointment at locations listed on the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene mpox vaccination website. There are multiple locations throughout the city, including all NYC Health + Hospitals hospital-based ambulatory care sites. 

The JYNNEOS vaccine is available by appointment only to people ages 18 and older who are at high risk for mpox or have been identified by the NYC Department of Health for having had a high-risk exposure to someone with mpox.

 Vaccination is free and available regardless of immigration status. If you have insurance, your insurance will be billed.

Visit the NYC Vaccine Finder to make an appointment and find other locations across the city.

Mpox Vaccination Appointments

Vaccination After Possible Exposure

Ideally the vaccine should be given before exposure to those at risk for mpox. It can also be given after a high-risk exposure to mpox to prevent disease or lessen the severity. If given after exposure, it should be ideally within 4 days of the exposure, but can be given up to 14 days after the exposure.

Treatment

The antiviral drug called Tecovirimat, or TPOXX, which is approved to treat smallpox, is available for treatment of mpox through a CDC emergency protocol.  In New York City, treatment is available to eligible people through the STOMP trial.  For individuals not wishing to participate in the trial, NYC Health + Hospitals and other health systems, as well as some primary care practices, offer the treatment. There are other treatments that may be considered for patients with severe or worsening disease despite treatment with tecovirimat.

Tecovirimat is available for people with severe disease and people at high risk for severe disease, which includes immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, young children, people with certain chronic skin conditions. People experiencing lesions in the eyes, throat, genitals and rectum should also be considered for treatment.

For More Information

Visit Mpox – NYC Health to learn more about cases in NYC, transmission, prevention, symptoms, and eligibility for vaccination, testing and treatment.

CDC: Mpox

How to Protect Yourself and Other from Monkeypox

JYNNEOS Vaccine for Mpox: Frequently Asked Questions

JYNNEOS Vaccine Information Statement

CDC: Social Gatherings, Safer Sex and Mpox

NYC Commission on Human Rights: Notice of Rights (Chinese, Spanish)