Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, which is part of the same family as smallpox. While historically rare and largely confined to regions in Central and West Africa, Mpox has reemerged as a global public health concern in recent years, prompting renewed focus from healthcare systems around the world.

The 2022-2023 outbreak saw widespread transmission in countries where Mpox had never been endemic, including the United States, with New York City becoming a major epicenter. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have continued to monitor cases, issue guidance, and recommend vaccination for high-risk populations. As we move through 2024 and 2025, Mpox remains a relevant and evolving concern.

This blog will cover everything New York healthcare professionals need to know about Mpox, including:

• What it is and how it presents
• How it spreads
• Current prevention and response strategies
• Public health developments
• The role of infection control in your clinical practice

What is Mpox?

Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a double-stranded DNA virus first identified in 1958 in laboratory monkeys and later discovered in humans in 1970. Though it shares similarities with smallpox, Mpox tends to be less severe and has a lower mortality rate. However, its painful symptoms, potential complications, and transmission risk still make it a serious public health issue.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• A characteristic rash that evolves from macules to pustules and scabs

The rash often begins on the face, genitals, or extremities and progresses in distinct stages. Unlike chickenpox or herpes, Mpox lesions are often firm, deep-seated, and develop simultaneously across the body rather than in successive waves.

Differential diagnosis can be challenging. Mpox may resemble:

• Chickenpox (varicella)
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Syphilis
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease

For providers in urban hubs like New York City, where international travel, high-density housing, and diverse patient populations intersect, recognition and rapid response are crucial for limiting further spread.

Recent Outbreaks and Public Health Updates

The 2022–2023 Mpox outbreak marked the first time the virus spread so widely outside of Africa. In the U.S., over 30,000 cases were reported, with New York State, particularly NYC, experiencing a surge that led to a swift public health response, including vaccination campaigns and community education.

In response, the CDC and NYSDOH issued alerts and updated guidance for healthcare workers, focusing on high-risk populations and post-exposure protocols. By early 2023, case numbers declined significantly due to increased awareness, behavior changes, and the rollout of the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Key Public Health Developments:

• 2023: WHO officially renamed the disease “Mpox” to reduce stigma and improve public communication.
• 2024–2025: Ongoing CDC surveillance continues to monitor localized outbreaks, especially in vulnerable communities.
• NYSDOH remains active in outreach, offering vaccine clinics and educational materials across boroughs and counties.

While the outbreak has subsided in most areas, sporadic cases and clusters still emerge, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, especially in clinical settings.,

How Mpox Spreads

Mpox is not as contagious as COVID-19 or influenza, but it can still spread effectively in close-contact environments. Understanding how transmission occurs is critical for healthcare workers to assess patient risk, use appropriate precautions, and protect themselves and others.

Transmission Routes:

1. Direct contact with Mpox lesions, bodily fluids, or scabs
2. Prolonged face-to-face respiratory exposure, especially during caregiving or intimate contact
3. Fomite transmission via contaminated bedding, clothing, towels, or surfaces
4. Animal-to-human transmission, though rare in the U.S.

Although recent outbreaks have seen higher rates in populations with multiple or anonymous sexual partners, Mpox is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Rather, intimate contact–regardless of sexual activity–can facilitate transmission.

Risk Factors for Healthcare Workers:

• Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Delayed recognition of Mpox symptoms
• Failure to isolate suspected cases promptly
• High-risk clinical settings (e.g., urgent care, sexual health clinics)

All providers should be aware that community transmission is possible, especially in regions with high population density or international travel. Mpox is no longer considered solely a travel-associated disease.

Prevention and Response for Healthcare Professionals

Infection prevention and control remain the most effective defense against Mpox in healthcare environments.

Guidelines for Handling Suspected Cases:

• Promptly isolate patients in single-person rooms with dedicated bathrooms
• Use appropriate PPE: gloves, gown, eye protection, and an N95 respirator or equivalent
• Limit patient transport and use disposable or dedicated equipment
• Thoroughly disinfect all surfaces and materials following patient discharge

For clinical resources and alerts, visit the NYSDOH Mpox page.

The Broader Context: Mpox and Emerging Infectious Diseases

Mpox serves as a valuable case study in the importance of preparedness, continuing education, and rapid public health response.

Infection control is no longer limited to pathogens like influenza or MRSA. In today’s interconnected world, emerging and re-emerging diseases like Mpox, Ebola, and novel coronaviruses are likely to surface again.

Healthcare professionals must:

• Stay up to date on infection control protocols
• Complete state-mandated continuing education (CE) on public health topics
• Regularly review and drill outbreak response plans within their facilities

Sites like CEUfast offer comprehensive CEU courses that cover the clinical and public health dimensions of Mpox, including how to recognize, treat, and prevent future outbreaks.

In conclusion, Mpox may not dominate headlines like it did in 2022, but it remains a relevant and potentially serious concern for healthcare workers, especially those practicing in New York, where global travel and dense populations can accelerate transmission.

As providers, staying informed is not just part of best practice; it is also part of professional responsibility. Identifying symptoms early, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and isolation protocols, educating patients on prevention, and reporting and supporting public health investigations also play a critical role. And as New York State continues to monitor Mpox and other infectious threats, it is crucial to ensure you’re meeting your license renewal requirements with up-to-date CE on infection control, public health, and emerging diseases.

For easy access to approved infection control training and an in-depth continuing education course on this topic, consider the CEUfast Mpox course. As well as NYRequirements.com for trusted resources to help healthcare professionals stay current, confident, and fully compliant, regardless of what the next public health challenge may bring.