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It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of Mpox. The best way to prevent it is by getting vaccinated. Check your eligibility and

• Your skin for bumps, blisters, or rash that may look like pimples.
• Genital areas, around the anus, trunk, face, hands and back.
• Yourself and your partners.
• Rash may be in the mouth, urethra, and/or rectum. Some or all symptoms may be present during MPV infection. Isolate if you experience fever, swollen lymph nodes, and/or rash, which may or may not be painful.
• Do not share bedding/towels and avoid skin-to-skin contact.
• Wear a mask around others.
• Whenever possible, limit the number of sex partners. A tight or closed network of partners may help reduce your risk of infection.
• Avoid sex with partners whose Mpox status is unknown.

Anyone living in Illinois, including students enrolled in the Chicago area’s universities/colleges, who meet one of the following criteria AND have not previously been infected with Mpox, is recommended to complete the two-dose series of Mpox JYNNEOS vaccine as recommended:

The Mpox Jynneos vaccine is available to anyone living in Illinois who:

• Had skin-to-skin or intimate contact (e.g., household members with close physical contact or intimate partners) with someone diagnosed with MPV.
• Exchanges goods or services for sex.
• Lives with HIV, especially persons with uncontrolled or advanced HIV disease.
• Is eligible for or is currently taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help prevent infection with HIV.

 OR 

• Is a sexually active bisexual, gay or other same gender-loving man, or sexually active transgender individuals.

 OR 

• Sexual partners of those included above or individuals who anticipate meeting criteria above in the future.

• Met recent partners through online applications or social media platforms (such as Grindr, Tinder or Scruff), or at clubs, raves, sex parties, saunas.
• Were diagnosed with sexually transmitted infection(s) (STI) in past 6 months.

Currently, there is no treatment approved specifically for Mpox virus. People who are not immunocompromised and don’t have a skin disease will usually heal with supportive care and pain control.

Please reach out to your healthcare provider if you think you have been infected with Mpox for more information about treatment.

If you have screened positive for Mpox or are experiencing Mpox symptoms, it is important to do what you can to minimize the chance of exposure to others. 

• Self-isolate as much as possible until you are no longer experiencing symptoms. 
• If you have lesions or a rash, cover them with clothing or a soft cloth when interacting with others or leaving your home. 
• Do not share your bedding, towels, clothes, or other fabrics with others. Wash and dry your used bedding, towels, and clothing after use. 
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others and use a face mask around others to minimize their risk of infection from large droplets from coughing or sneezing.