Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and Mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Since May 2022, cases of Mpox have been reported in more than 50 countries that don’t normally report Mpox, including the United States.

At this time, the risk of Mpox in the United States is believed to be low. Mpox does not spread easily between people; however, anyone in close contact with a person with Mpox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves. People who do not have Mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

For more information, visit:

CT Department of Public Health Mpox Webpage:
https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Epidemiology-and-Emerging-Infections/CT-Mpox/Mpox-Main-Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mpox Webpage:
https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/