Last updated April 17, 2024.
Mpox cases are increasing in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sent a text and email reminder to more than 4,000 Coloradans whose records show they may be due for their second dose of the mpox vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine provide the best protection from mpox, even if it’s been longer than four weeks since your first dose. You can check your vaccine record online.
A free vaccine can prevent mpox. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk of exposure to mpox can get vaccinated – no ID, insurance, or payment needed. This vaccine can be given between layers of the skin (intradermally) or in the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneously). You can ask to get the vaccine in a way that will not cause a scar (subcutaneously).
Know the symptoms of mpox:
- New rash or bumps on the skin
- Flu-like symptoms, like fever, chills, and muscle aches
If you have symptoms and may have been exposed, ask a health care provider about testing and treatment – even if you are vaccinated against mpox. Mpox testing is available across the state.
Anyone can get mpox. The virus does not discriminate against any group. Based on recent data, men who have sex with men may be at higher risk for contracting mpox. Transgender women and gender-diverse people may also be at higher risk.
Mpox is a virus in the orthopox family of viruses, which includes smallpox. Mpox can cause serious illness.
People with mpox often get a rash or bumps that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. They may also have flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and exhaustion.
People with a new rash or bumps who think they may have been exposed should get tested for mpox, even if they have been vaccinated against mpox or have already had mpox. Treatment is available for people at higher risk or those with severe disease.
Mpox can be transmitted from person to person when someone who has mpox has close contact with someone else. Close contact can mean touching the sores, bumps, or lesions of someone who has mpox. Close contact includes sex. Brief interactions without physical contact are unlikely to result in getting the virus.
A vaccine called Jynneos can help prevent mpox. People who have recently been exposed to mpox or are at higher risk for exposure should get vaccinated.
Number of human cases
2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
405 | 13 | 46 |
This table is updated weekly on Wednesdays by 4 p.m.
Public resources
- Mpox (CDC)
- Mpox Signs and Symptoms (CDC)
- Safer Sex, Social Gatherings, and Mpox (CDC)
- What You Need to Know about Mpox if You are a Teen or Young Adult (CDC)
- Patient’s Guide to Mpox Treatment with TPOXX (CDC)
- What to look for (includes images)
- Household disinfection following a diagnosis of mpox
- Home isolation guidance for patients
- Guidance for hospitality service providers
- Guidance and frequently asked questions for shelters
- Guidance and frequently asked questions for correctional and detention facilities
- Guidance for local non-medical transportation service providers
- Guidance for workplaces and businesses (CDC)
Local public health agencies resources
- Information for Clinicians (CDC)
- Information for Laboratory Personnel (CDC)
- Monitoring and risk assessment for persons exposed in the communit. (CDC)
- CDC HAN - Mpox in Democratic Republic of the Congo - December 7, 2023
- Colorado Communicable Disease Manual - Mpox
- Infectious disease guidelines for schools and child care settings