Mpox is a contagious viral disease, which has two major variants: clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox is the primary virus circulating in New York City and elsewhere in the U.S. No cases of clade I mpox have been detected in the U.S. Anyone can get and spread mpox.
Mpox is primarily spread through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact, including 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.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus. In the U.S., cases have mainly spread through sex and other intimate contact among social networks of gay men and other men who have sex with men and transgender people. However, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has mpox is at risk for infection.
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
For both mpox clades, 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.
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, is available for treatment of mpox through a CDC emergency protocol. Eligibility for treatment is based on the person’s disease severity and risk factors. People with mpox are encouraged to enroll in the STOMP trial, which will improve our understanding of how effective tecovirimat is for mpox. For individuals not wishing to participate in the trial, NYC Health + Hospitals and other health systems, as well as some primary care practices, offer tecovirimat to eligible patients. There are other treatments that may be considered for patients with severe or worsening disease despite treatment with tecovirimat.
For More Information
Visit Mpox – NYC Health to learn more about cases in NYC, transmission, prevention, symptoms, and eligibility for vaccination, testing and treatment.
How to Protect Yourself and Others from Mpox
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)