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.

The type of mpox in the U.S. is rarely deadly, with a fatality rate of less than 1%.

The CDC is tracking mpox occurrences in the United States.

Colorado case counts are available on the CDPHE mpox website.

Mpox can spread when someone who has mpox has close contact with someone else. Close contact could include physical contact with sores, bumps or lesions of someone who has mpox, including 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.

Anyone can get mpox if they have had close contact with someone who has mypox.

The CDPHE mpox website notes that data suggest people who have recently traveled to a country where mpox has been reported, or men who have sex with other men, are at heightened risk.

Symptoms of mpox may begin with flu-like symptoms that can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion. 

Typically, a rash or skin bumps develop within one to three days after the onset of fever, often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body. 

Learn more here about the signs and symptoms of mpox.

By following the CDC’s recommended prevention steps, and by getting vaccinated if you were exposed to mpox or are at higher risk of being exposed to mpox, you can help protect yourself and your community.

Mpox typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

Vaccination lowers your chance of getting mpox if you may have been exposed. The sooner an exposed person gets the vaccine, the better. The vaccine can also reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick later on. People who already have symptoms of mpox should not get vaccinated.

Per the CDPHE, those who qualify are:

• anyone age 18+ who has had close physical contact with someone who has mpox in the last 14 days
• gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, or transgender, nonbinary or gender-diverse people age 18+ who have had
  • multiple sexual partners in the last 14 days, or
  • sexual partners they did not previously know in the last 14 days, or
  • close physical contact with other people in a venue where anonymous or group sex may occur
• anyone identified by public health as a known high-risk contact of someone who has mpox

You can request a mpox vaccine appointment using a form located on the CDPHE’s mpox website. Colorado’s vaccine supply is limited.

Vaccination lowers your chance of getting mpox if you may have been exposed. The sooner an exposed person gets the vaccine, the better. The vaccine can also reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick later on. People who already have symptoms of mpox should not get vaccinated.

The CDC recommends that the vaccine be given within 4 days from the date of exposure in order to prevent onset of the disease. If given between 4–14 days after the date of exposure, vaccination may reduce the symptoms of disease, but may not prevent the disease.

Learn more here about vaccination for mpox.

The CDPHE recommends that people who are experiencing symptoms of mpox or think they may have been exposed to mpox contact a healthcare provider to discuss testing. 

Those who do not have a healthcare provider, or do not have insurance, can access mpox testing at area locations. 

Find more information here about testing for mpox.

• If you are on campus, please head home. 
• Isolate away from other people and pets.
• Contact the response team at 303-724-4663 or mpox@cuanschutz.edu for confidential, one-on-one guidance from our medical and public health professionals. Await instructions.
• Seek testing for mpox, if you have not already. Contact a healthcare provider to discuss testing. If you do not have a healthcare provider, or do not have insurance, you can access mpox testing at area locations. Find more information here about testing for mpox.

The CDC offers guidance for preventing the spread of mpox, and for identifying and notifying close contacts.

Submit questions here about mpox at CU Anschutz.

If you think you could have been exposed to mpox, are experiencing symptoms, and/or have tested positive for mpox, please contact the response team at 303-724-4663 or mpox@cuanschutz.edu for confidential, one-on-one guidance.