Mpox is a viral infection that can cause a painful or uncomfortable rash with sores, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. There are two types of mpox, clade 1 and clade 2. A global outbreak of clade 2 mpox began in May 2022. With the rollout of vaccines and treatment, cases have decreased in the U.S. and Europe, with a continued low number of cases across the United States.
Another mpox outbreak has been detected in circulation since 2023, primarily in central and eastern Africa, with a different, more virulent mpox strain (clade 1). In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared this outbreak a global public health emergency. To date, several cases of clade 1 mpox have been reported in the U.S. The CDC continues to monitor the situation.
Transmission
Mpox spreads through close contact (e.g., direct physical contact with the infectious rash, including during intimate contact; body fluids; or contaminated surfaces and materials such as furniture, clothing or bedding). Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can get mpox. Data suggests that, to date, it has primarily spread among social networks of gay and bisexual men through intimate contact.
The risk of contracting this infection is low for those who have been in casual, rather than close, contact with an infected individual (e.g., being in the same room is not considered high-risk exposure).
Symptoms
Symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals or anus.
If you develop symptoms consistent with mpox, please contact the Student Health Center at 202-687-2200, if a student, or your primary care provider, if a faculty or staff member, and email Georgetown’s Public Health team at publichealth@georgetown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
Mpox transmission is through direct contact with infectious material, primarily through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms, through direct skin-to-skin contact with rash, bodily fluid, pus or blood from skin lesions. Mpox can also be transmitted via respiratory secretion during prolonged, face-to-face contact (e.g., kissing). The virus can also spread by touching contaminated items, such as clothing or linens, that previously were in contact with the infectious rash or body fluids. Individuals can also get mpox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by an infected animal.
Pregnant women can transmit the virus to the fetus through the placenta.
Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed over the lesion.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a skin rash. However, a rash can appear without being preceded by flu-like symptoms. The skin lesions can be flat or slightly raised, can be filled with clear or yellowish fluid and can then crust, dry up and fall off.
Anyone can get the mpox infection, including women and children. Harassment and/or stigmatization related to a suspected or known case of mpox are unacceptable. Please be mindful that there are chronic skin and genetic conditions (such as acne) that may resemble mpox lesions. Please do not assume that a person with a rash is infected with mpox. If you encounter any harassment or discrimination related to mpox, please report to IDEAA.
If you think you have symptoms suggestive of mpox, please isolate yourself immediately. Wear an N95 mask and cover your rash with clothing or other materials (e.g., bandages) if you must come in contact with anyone.
If any of these symptoms are present, and you are a student, reach out to the Student Health Center (202-687-2200) right away.
If you are a faculty or staff or member, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
At this time, DC Health and sites that they designate for vaccine distribution are able to administer the mpox vaccine. The Student Health Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital can assist community members with questions about eligibility and accessing vaccines.
At this time, the following individuals are eligible to receive the vaccine from the DC Department of Health: District residents, individuals who work in the District, students enrolled at District universities/colleges and persons affiliated with DC Health Programs that receive health care services in DC, who meet one of the following criteria:
All people, of any sexual orientation or gender, who have had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks, including those currently considered highest risk: gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, transgender men and transgender women; or
Men who have sex with men who are non-monogamous (pre-exposure prophylaxis); or
Sex workers (of any sexual orientation or gender); or
Staff (of any sexual orientation or gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs); or
People of any sexual orientation or gender who are living with HIV/AIDS or have been diagnosed with any sexually transmitted infection in the past three months.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit the DC Health website.
The DC government currently offers the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is given, generally, in two doses 28 days apart. New dosing schedules are currently being launched based on new evidence. The use of ACAM2000, originally approved for the prevention of smallpox, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of mpox on Aug. 30, 2024, and is now commercially available. For more information about vaccine availability in the local region, please visit the Arlington County website and the Montgomery County website.
An infection caused by the mpox virus should be confirmed via a PCR test. A clinician will swab your lesion(s) and send it to a lab for processing. If you are a student, you can get tested at the Student Health Center.
If you are a faculty or staff member, please inquire about testing with your healthcare provider.
If you are diagnosed with mpox, you will have to go into isolation, which can last approximately two to four weeks until confirmation by a healthcare provider that all lesions have resolved. The DC Department of Health requires that suspected and confirmed cases of mpox be reported. The Student Health Center can provide medical care and guidance for students. Georgetown’s Public Health team can provide guidance and support with symptom monitoring, when to resume activities on campus and other issues related to isolation.
If you are diagnosed with mpox outside of Georgetown, we request that you let the Public Health team know via email at publichealth@georgetown.edu. We can help you navigate protocols related to academic and employment issues.
Contact tracing for mpox (the process of determining who you came in contact with, when, where and the extent and nature of that close contact) is carried out by the DC Department of Health. Georgetown’s Public Health team may inquire about places you have visited on campus (e.g., gym, work, library, classes) during your infectious period, but will generally not inquire about any other activities or close contacts.
If your roommate has informed you of their known or suspected infection, please reach out to the Public Health team for guidance and assistance with symptom monitoring, vaccination and cleaning.