Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox)

Health

February 10, 2025

Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by infection with mpox virus, of which there are two distinct clades (genetic types) identified. Mpox belongs to the Orthopox genus, which also includes the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox. Mpox is of public health concern because the illness is similar to smallpox and can be spread from infected humans, animals, and materials contaminated with the virus. Mpox is less contagious and usually less severe than smallpox, though people with weakened immune systems may have a more serious illness or even death.

Mpox was first identified in 1958 and occurs primarily in Central and West African countries. Historically, mpox cases had rarely occurred in the U.S. and had mostly been related to international travel or the importation of animals. In May 2022, the first domestic case of mpox, (clade II), was detected. Cases within the United States increased rapidly, peaking in August 2022.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (US CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. has reported 34,490 mpox cases, including 63 deaths, as of December 31, 2024. 

Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since the widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.  

February 7, 2025: The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) has identified an adult from Merrimack County with clade I mpox. The individual recently traveled to Eastern Africa, where there is an ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox, and is currently self-isolating and recovering at home. The individual’s illness poses no current risk to the public. 

The individual’s illness is likely related to their recent travel, and there is no evidence that clade I mpox is spreading from person-to-person in New Hampshire or within the United States. This is the first clade I mpox diagnosis in New Hampshire and the third clade I mpox diagnosis in the United States. 

Mpox is spread through:

  • Close or Intimate Contact

    • Direct skin-to-skin contact (hugging, massage, kissing)
    • Sexual contact
    • Direct contact with mpox rash or scabs
    • Direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions (snot or mucus)
    • Prolonged face-to-face contact
    • Pregnant persons can pass mpox to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn during/after birth

  • Touching Objects

    • Mpox can spread to anyone through contact with fabric, objects or surfaces that have not been disinfected (cleaned/sanitized) after use by someone with mpox. This includes items like clothes, bedding and towels.

  • Animals

    • Wild Animals - In West and Central Africa people who have close contact during hunting, trapping or processing of wild animals can get mpox.
    • Pets - People are less likely to get mpox from a pet, however, it is possible. It is also possible to give a pet mpox. Avoid contact with pets if you have mpox, or if the pet has mpox.

Mpox Vaccine

  • There is a 2 dose, mpox vaccine available as well as treatment.
    • While no vaccine is 100% effective, the JYNNEOS vaccine can reduce the chance of mpox illness and make the illness less severe.

Have additional questions?

 

RESOURCES

NH DHHS Disease Prevention - Mpox Information

US CDC: Mpox

How to Lower Your Risk of Mpox - CDC (YouTube Video) 

NH Mpox Healthcare Provider Updates