Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking an outbreak of mpox that has spread across several countries that do not normally report mpox, including the United States. Cases of mpox have been reported in Iowa.
Cases, Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment
- Map of U.S. mpox cases
- U.S. mpox case trends
- Iowa mpox cases
- Signs and symptoms of mpox
- How does mpox spread?
- How to prevent mpox
- Treatment for mpox
- Clinical characteristics of mpox
- General mpox information
Vaccine Information
Interested in receiving the vaccine for Mpox? Please complete this survey to determine if you meet the current recommendations for receiving a vaccine and to register to receive the vaccine as it becomes available. Due to limited quantities of vaccine, it may be several weeks before you are notified of vaccine availability on your request.
Testing
Linn County Public Health and your healthcare provider can help you get tested for mpox. Please contact your healthcare provider if you suspect mpox or contact Linn County Public Health at 319-892-6093. To be tested for mpox, you must have a rash present.
Clinicians suspecting mpox infection should immediately contact the Iowa Department of Public Health.
- During business hours call: 800-362-2736
- After hours call: 515-323-4360 (the Iowa State Patrol will contact the epidemiologist on call)
- Specimen collection guidance