Mpox Information For Healthcare Providers
Mpox Information For Healthcare Providers
Mpox should be integrated into routine sexual healthcare with risk assessment, detection, and prevention incorporated into standard clinical workflows.
Clinical Recognition and Diagnostic Testing
Information on clinical presentation, including photos of mpox lesions, are available on CDC's Clinical Signs and Symptoms webpage.
Mpox diagnostic testing is available from commercial laboratories and the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).
Testing at SPHL is available Monday–Friday. Specimens arriving after 8 a.m. will be tested on the next scheduled testing day.
- Instructions for collection and submission of specimens to the SPHL
- Specimens must be accompanied by a completed requisition form
CDC recommends testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases in every sexually active person in whom mpox is suspected because mpox and sexually transmitted infections can occur concurrently (see Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines - 2021).
Treatment
Refer to CDC clinical guidance for information on managing patients with mpox. Most patients recover with supportive care and pain control. Tailored guidance is available for the following populations:
- People who are immunocompromised
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents
- Ocular mpox
Treatment for patients with protracted or life-threatening manifestation of mpox can involve medications stockpiled by the U.S. government. Refer to CDC for information about therapeutic options for treatment of severe mpox, including a summary of findings from recently concluded studies of tecovirimat (TPOXX). To request access to therapeutics stockpiled by the U.S. government, contact DPH Epidemiology at (860) 509-7994; after hours or on weekends call (860) 509-8000 and ask for the epidemiologist on call.
Vaccination and Post-exposure Prophylaxis
The JYNNEOS vaccine is approved for the prevention of mpox and smallpox and is available to people who are at risk for exposure to mpox virus. The two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series is recommended for persons aged 18 years and older at risk of mpox.
People may also be vaccinated within 14 days after exposure to mpox virus to help prevent disease (i.e., post-exposure prophylaxis).
Additional Resources
Guidance:
- Infection prevention and control of mpox in healthcare settings (CDC)
- Vaccine for Mpox Prevention in the US (CDC)
- Mpox Clinical Guide (National STD Curriculum)
Webinars:
Go To: Mpox Vaccination | Mpox Main