Information For Health Providers

Mpox should be integrated into routine sexual healthcare with risk assessment, detection, and prevention incorporated into standard clinical workflows.

Clinical Recognition and Diagnositic Testing

Information on clinical presentation, including photos of mpox lesions, are available on CDC’s Clinical Features of Mpox webpage.

Mpox diagnostic testing is available from multiple commercial laboratories and the Connecticut State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL). At this time, testing can only be performed by sampling lesions (see Guidelines for Collecting and Handling Specimens for Mpox Testing).

Testing at SPHL is available Monday–Friday with a daily cut-off time of 8 a.m. Specimens arriving after 8 a.m. will be tested on the next scheduled testing day. To request urgent testing outside this schedule, call DPH Epidemiology at (860) 509-7994, or (860) 509-8000 after hours or on weekends.

• 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, as 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, including pain management. 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 FDA-regulated drugs and biologics that are primarily 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). Tecovirimat is still available under the CDC-held expanded access IND for treatment of mpox in patients who have or are at high risk for severe illness; see detailed information on tecovirimat for treatment of mpox from CDC. To request access to therapeutics stockpiled by the U.S. government, contact DPH Epidemiology at (860) 509-7994, or (860) 509-8000 after hours or on weekends.

Vaccination and Post-exposure Prophylaxsis

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. ACIP recommends the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series for persons aged 18 years and older at risk of mpox.

• Information about getting vaccinated in Connecticut

People may also be vaccinated within 14 days after exposure to mpox virus to help prevent disease (i.e., post-exposure prophylaxis). Additional clinical considerations for mpox vaccination are available from CDC.

Additional Resources

Guidance:

• Infection prevention and control of mpox in healthcare settings (CDC)
• Mpox Clinical Quick Reference (CDC)
• Mpox Clinical Guide (National STD Curriculum)

Webinars:

• Connecticut DPH Provider Update for Mpox (2022)

Go To: Mpox Vaccination | Mpox Main