Mpox
Learn about the signs and symptoms of mpox (formerly known as "monkeypox"), and find out how to protect yourself and others.
What is mpox and how does it spread?
Mpox is a virus that presents most notably with sores and small open wounds, and is spread through close physical contact.
- Learn more here about the signs and symptoms of mpox.
Mpox can spread through close or intimate contact, including direct contact with sores, bumps or lesions of someone who has mpox, or through sex, kissing or other forms of close physical contact. Mpox can also spread by touching the same objects, materials or surfaces as someone with mpox.
- Learn more here about how mpox spreads.
The CDC website offers more information on mpox, and Colorado-specific information is available on the CDPHE mpox website.
What is CU Anschutz doing about mpox?
The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is closely monitoring mpox transmission in Colorado and nationally.
A response team is available from the CU Anschutz Occupational Health Division to answer questions about mpox. These medical and public health professionals are here to provide information and guidance, and can facilitate access to post-exposure vaccination and treatment.
If you think you could have been exposed to mpox, are experiencing symptoms, and/or have tested positive for mpox, please call the CU Anschutz team at 303-724-4663 or email mpox@cuanschutz.edu for confidential, one-on-one guidance.
What can I do to protect myself from mpox?
Learn how to protect yourself and others:
- 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.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
- CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox.
- If you have any symptoms of mpox, talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has mpox.
Where can I find FAQs and more information?
- View FAQs to learn more about mpox.
- Hear from our experts in the CU Anschutz Newsroom
- Explore the CDC’s mpox website
- Visit the CDPHE’s mpox website