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Mpox

MDHHS is updating webpages and materials with the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the recent World Health Organization decision and supported by the CDC.

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Vaccine Availability:

Our guiding principles are to distribute vaccine rapidly in an equitable way to those at risk for mpox, prioritizing those at risk for severe outcomes.

  • To value the input of the most affected community.
  • To communicate transparently.
  • To be flexible and adapt the strategy according to available data and resources.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) strives to utilize all doses of vaccine as soon as they become available to help mitigate spread. The vaccine is free to you, safe, and effective.

In Michigan, the mpox vaccine is available to those who have been exposed to someone with mpox and/or anyone who thinks they may be at risk. Please use the mpox vaccine locator on this page to find an mpox vaccine site near you by entering your zip code or call your local health department to make an appointment.

Signs and Symptoms

Mpox is contagious when a rash is present and up until scabs have fallen off. Symptoms generally appear one to two weeks after exposure and infection, and the rash often lasts two to four weeks. Persons experiencing mpox symptoms should contact their health care provider for evaluation. While many of those affected in the current global outbreaks are men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has mpox can get the illness.

Providers

Due to the often atypical presentation of mpox in this outbreak, we are encouraging clinicians to have a high level of suspicion for mpox, especially in persons with reported risk factors. Updated guidance for providers is available from both MDHHS and the CDC.

Treatment

There are no treatments specifically for mpox infections. However, mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox can be used to prevent and treat mpox infections. 

States are receiving vaccine allocations from the Strategic National Stockpile in accordance with the number of mpox cases and the size of the underlying at-risk population. Michigan has received a limited supply of the vaccine, JYNNEOS. Additional limited allocations will follow in the next few months, but specific quantities and timelines are not yet known. The federal government continues to purchase vaccine, but JYNNEOS is not likely to become broadly available in the near-term.

A local health department may initiate contact with eligible individuals who have been identified as a close contact to an mpox case about receiving the vaccine. If you know you have had a contact with someone with mpox please contact your local health department for more information. Information about federal vaccine allocations is available online and will be updated every Wednesday. There is no cost for the vaccine – it is free for anyone who is eligible. 

Treatments for mpox have not been pre-deployed to states by the CDC and will continue to be available through the Strategic National Stockpile. Clinicians evaluating mpox patients should be aware of the clinical considerations and process of requesting TPOXX (Tecovirimat) for their patients.