Learn more about mpox and what CU Boulder is doing to protect our community.

NOTE: On Nov. 28, 2022, The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the name “mpox” to replace what was previously referred to as “monkeypox.” This site has been updated to reflect this change, while some material created prior to the change may still reflect the old name.

This change reflects the WHO’s best practices, which state that new disease names should be given with the aim to minimize unnecessary negative impact of names on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare, and avoid causing offense to any cultural, social, national, regional, professional or ethnic groups.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a rare transmissible disease caused by the mpox virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, exhaustion and/or a rash (this can look like pimples or blisters). 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently tracking an outbreak of mpox in the United States. 

Button: View a map of known cases

How does mpox spread?

Mpox spreads through close, intimate contact with someone who is infected with the virus. 

This can include:

  • Direct contact with rashes, scabs or bodily fluids from a person with mpox.
  • Intimate contact (i.e oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals of a person with mpox)
  • Hugging, massaging and/or kissing someone with mpox.
  • Touching objects, fabrics (i.e. clothing, bedding or towels) and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
  • A pregnant person can also spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

What is CU doing about mpox?

Monitoring
Health and Wellness Services is actively monitoring mpox transmission in Colorado. 

Treatment
Medical Services has provided additional training for providers and services to address mpox infections. Testing is available through Medical Services with an in-person exam at Wardenburg Health Center. Please call 303-492-5432 or visit mycuhealth.colorado.edu to schedule an appointment. 

Medical Services providers are available to answer questions about signs and symptoms of mpox and can facilitate access to post-exposure vaccine and treatment. Please call 303-492-5432 to speak with a nurse.

Guidance
The Public Health Office is available to provide guidance on isolation/quarantine and contact notification. Call 303-735-0017 or email contacttracing@colorado.edu.

What can I do to protect myself from mpox?

  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that looks like mpox.
  • Do not touch rashes or scabs of a person with mpox.
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially before eating, touching your face or using the restroom.
  • Consider getting vaccinated for mpox if you have been exposed or are at a higher risk of exposure to mpox.

If you have any symptoms of mpox, talk to your healthcare provider.