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Missouri Identifies Two Residents with Clade I Mpox

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Published March 20th, 2026
Detected March 20th, 2026
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Summary

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced the identification of two adult residents with clade I mpox, a more severe strain of the virus. These are the first known cases of clade I mpox in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth nationally, linked to recent international travel.

What changed

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult residents with clade I mpox, a strain that began spreading globally in 2024 and is distinct from the clade II strain responsible for the 2022 outbreak. Clade I mpox is noted for its higher likelihood of causing severe illness and death, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These represent the first clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth nationally, both linked to recent international travel and confirmed to be unrelated to each other and to local mpox cases.

Public health officials are advising individuals at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of completing the 2-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series for reduced risk and symptom severity. While the risk to the general public is considered low, mpox remains active, and transmission occurs primarily through direct physical contact with an infected person or contaminated items. Symptoms include a characteristic rash, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, with individuals remaining contagious until their rash has fully healed.

What to do next

  1. Individuals at risk for mpox infection should get vaccinated with the 2-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series.
  2. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for mpox symptoms, especially in patients with recent international travel history.
  3. Public health authorities should continue surveillance and public health messaging regarding mpox risks and prevention.

Source document (simplified)

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services sent this bulletin at 03/20/2026 02:59 PM CDT
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Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. \| \|
\| \| \|
\| For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

\| \|

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS \| Mpox.

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Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov \| \|

\| \| \| | \| \|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | | For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

\| \|

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS \| Mpox.

| | \| \|
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | |

| \| \|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

\| \|

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS \| Mpox.

| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| \| \|
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | | \| \|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | |
| | |
| For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

\| \|

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS \| Mpox.

| |
| | |
| \| \|
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | |

| | | | | |
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | | For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

| |

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS | Mpox.

| | | |
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | |

| | \| \|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | |
| | |
| For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

\| \|

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS \| Mpox.

| |
| | |
| \| \|
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | |

| | | | | |
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | | For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

| |

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS | Mpox.

| | | |
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | | |

| | |
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

| |

Missouri public health agencies identified two residents with clade I mpox

JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and local public health agencies have identified two adult Missouri residents this week with clade I mpox. This type of mpox virus started spreading globally since 2024 and is different from clade II mpox virus that caused the widespread 2022 outbreak. The clade I virus is more likely to cause severe illness and death, especially in people who are immunocompromised. These are the first known clade I mpox cases in Missouri and the thirteenth and fourteenth cases nationally. Both individuals had recent international travel to countries where mpox is more prevalent. The public health investigation showed that the two cases are unrelated to one another and are not believed to be connected to any locally acquired mpox cases.

“While risk to the general public remains low, mpox is still active,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist. “We recommend those who are at risk for mpox infection to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the 2-dose series.”

Mpox is a disease caused by two different genetic types of the mpox virus, called clade I and clade II. Clade II mpox has continued to circulate at low levels in the United States since a widespread outbreak occurred in 2022. More recently, clade I mpox has been causing outbreaks in Central and Eastern Africa. Both types of the virus spread primarily through direct physical contact with a symptomatic person with mpox or through contact with used items contaminated with the mpox virus. The mpox virus is not spread through the air.

People with mpox develop an infectious rash that changes over time as a person’s illness progresses. The rash can look like pimples or blisters that are painful or itchy. Over time, the rash can spread, and then slowly the skin lesions develop a scab or crust before going away over several weeks. Other symptoms of mpox which may develop prior to a rash can include fever, chills, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes. A person with mpox can spread the virus starting when they first develop symptoms, and they remain contagious until their rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Those traveling to Central or Eastern Africa with a risk factor for mpox are encouraged to talk to their health care provider about the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Vaccination reduces the risk of getting mpox and can reduce symptoms if infected. People at risk for mpox should get 2 doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine to maximize protection. The second dose should be administered at least 28 days after the first dose. Those who have already had mpox do not need to get vaccinated.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of mpox, contact your health care provider for testing or visit the testing resources map. If you have recently been in close contact with someone you think has mpox, you should get the vaccine as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after the exposure.

If a health care provider suspects an mpox case, they should contact their local public health agency, or the DHSS Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272, prior to specimen collection.

For more information about mpox, visit Missouri DHSS | Mpox.

| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Mission of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

To promote health and safety through prevention, collaboration, education, innovation and response.

Health.Mo.Gov | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | |
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

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Source

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Classification

Agency
State Health
Published
March 20th, 2026
Instrument
Notice
Legal weight
Non-binding
Stage
Final
Change scope
Substantive

Who this affects

Applies to
Healthcare providers Public health authorities
Industry sector
6211 Healthcare Providers 9211 Government & Public Administration
Activity scope
Disease Surveillance Public Health Messaging Vaccination Programs
Geographic scope
US-MO US-MO

Taxonomy

Primary area
Public Health
Operational domain
Public Health
Topics
Infectious Diseases Vaccination

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