Monkey Pox General Info

Mpox/Monkeypox Information & Resources

Monkeypox, now recognized by the World Health Organization as "mpox", is a rare, viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization or death. Mpox is typically spread through close, physical contact with someone who has mpox or with a contaminated object.

How mpox spreads
Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

  • Direct contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox.
  • Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
  • Contact with respiratory secretions



Symptoms
Symptoms of mpox can include:

  • Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face.
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all. 

If you are exposed or experience mpox symptoms, reach out to your health care provider.

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How to protect yourself against mpox
You can protect yourself by taking simple steps, which are especially important for those who may be at higher risk for severe disease, including people with weakened immune systems:

  • Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with mpox.
  • Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other mpox-related symptoms.
  • If you are exposed or experience symptoms, make sure to reach out to a health care provider.
  • Follow reputable sources of health information, including NYSDOH and CDC.


Mpox Vaccine
Vaccine for mpox can help prevent disease or make it less severe.
To make a vaccination appointment at Nassau University Medical Center/NuHealth, please call 516-486-6862.
Confidential homebound vaccination appointments can be made through Town of North Hempstead Emergency Medical Services. Please call 516-897-4110.

New York State eligibility currently includes:

  • Individuals with recent exposure to a suspected or confirmed monkeypox case within the past 14 days.
  • Those at high risk of a recent exposure to monkeypox, including gay men and members of the bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming community and other communities of men who have sex with men and who have engaged in intimate or skin-to-skin contact with others in the past 14 days areas where monkeypox is spreading.
  • Individuals who have had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, including men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application ("app"), or social event, such as a bar or party.
  • Any individual that may be at risk of future exposure to infection with monkeypox, even though they are not at high risk of a recent exposure to monkeypox.