Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)

This information follows the latest CDC guidance for mpox, formerly known at monkeypox. (reviewed 5.24.23)

As we arrive at the one-year mark since the start of a global mpox outbreak, we would like to make sure everyone is still aware that mpox continues to circulate. While activity in Florida is currently very low, CDC estimates the risk for a smaller resurgent mpox outbreak is greater than 35% in most of the country.

We want to remind those at increased risk for mpox that:

Mpox is still circulating in the U.S. including Florida.
Many countries outside the U.S. do not have vaccines widely available to help reduce mpox activity in those at increased risk for mpox.
The mpox vaccine is still available for those at risk who are not already vaccinated
Mpox vaccination can reduce the risk of infection as well as the severity of illness.
Find an mpox vaccine site near you
Reduce risk for mpox exposure and infection: www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/prevention/sexual-health.html

What is mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)?

Mpox is a disease caused by a virus similar to smallpox, but symptoms from mpox are usually milder.
Infections with the type of mpox in this outbreak are rarely fatal, as 99% of persons are likely to survive, but symptoms can be painful.

How does mpox spread?

Mpox spreads in a few ways:

Direct contact with mpox rash and scabs from a person with mpox
Contact with the saliva and other bodily secretions from a person with mpox
Contact with upper respiratory secretions (snot, mucus) from a person with mpox
The risk is LOW for getting mpox by touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox and not disinfected, such as clothing, bedding, towels

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus.

A rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing
- The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy
Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, headache, tiredness, muscle aches)
Swollen lymph nodes
Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

You may experience all or only a few of the above symptoms. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash while others develop a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Some may only experience the rash.

What should a student do if they have symptoms of mpox?

Call UCF Student Health Services at 407-823-2701 to schedule an appointment and have a medical evaluation done.
Avoid close skin-to-skin contact with people until a healthcare provider has evaluated you
Wear a well-fitting mask when around others and keep the rash covered.

CDC recommends vaccination against mpox if:

You had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
You had a sex partner in the past 2 weeks who was diagnosed with mpox
You are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past 6 months has had any of the following:
- A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
- More than one sex partner
You have a sex partner with any of the above risks
You have HIV or other causes of immune suppression and have had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure
Contact the local health department to see what the vaccination options are in your community

What steps can I take to prevent getting mpox?

Get both doses of the mpox vaccine. Unvaccinated people and people who have not received both doses who could benefit from vaccine may still be at risk. The best protection against mpox occurs 2 weeks after the second shot
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with mpox.
Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
Be aware that mpox can also spread through respiratory secretions with close, face-to-face contact.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you are diagnosed with mpox:

Isolate at home until you are cleared to return to activity. This is usually until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed. This can take up to 2-4 weeks.
If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible, and use a separate bathroom.
Think about the people you have had close, personal, or sexual contact with recently. To help stop the spread, you might be asked to share the information if you have received a mpox diagnosis.
Avoid close contact with pets and animals during this time.

How should I clean areas if there is a concern of mpox?

Focus on disinfecting items and surfaces that were in direct contact with the skin of the person with monkeypox, or often in the presence of the person with monkeypox, during isolation. Do not dry dust or sweep as this may spread infectious particles.
Linens can be laundered using regular detergent and warm water. Soiled laundry should be gently and promptly contained in a laundry bag and never be shaken or handled in a manner that may disperse infectious material. It should not be mixed with laundry from other members of the household without mpox.
Any soiled items should not be directly handled without proper protective equipment including masks and gloves. Clothing should be worn that fully covers the skin and should be washed immediately after cleaning.
Anyone who touches lesions or clothing, linens, or surfaces that may have had contact with lesions should wash their hands immediately to prevent potential spread.

How many cases of mpox are in the United States?

Review a US Map and case count HERE.