Mpox Guidance and Resources

Mpox | Guidance/Resources | Provider Information

About Mpox

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

GA Mpox Outbreak Cases and Vaccinations

Please see the CDC website for weekly case number updates https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html

Weekly Reports

Mpox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) may harbor the virus and infect people.

The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkeypox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all mpox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html

Guidance for persons who are sick and have been told they have mpox or are suspected of having mpox:

Mpox Isolation Guidance ENGLISH | ESPAÑOL Updated 8/2/2022

Transmission

Most non-healthcare settings where people congregate, but do not live together would not be considered high-risk settings for mpox transmission (ex. non-healthcare workplaces, schools, daycares, grocery stores, etc). Mpox is most commonly transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact, please see CDC's exposure criteria to determine risk level should there be a mpox positive case in your congregate, non-living setting: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/monitoring.html

For congregate living situations, including examples of these settings, please see CDC's guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/specific-settings/congregate.html

Testing and Vaccination

Mpox testing and vaccination are available throughout Georgia. Contact the Public Health District Office in your area for more information about scheduling an appointment or vaccination events.

Mpox and Companion Animals

Although rarely reported, people can get mpox from animals and it is possible that certain animals can be infected with mpox after having close contact with people who have the disease. Download the latest guidance from DPH .

Guidance from the American Veterinary Medical Association