Mpox

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The Health Department is working closely with local, state and federal partners to provide information, guidance, and resources to Norwalkers to ensure they can protect themselves and others from mpox.

Mpox is a rare virus, but it is not new. The first human case of mpox was detected in 1970. In Spring 2022, cases of mpox started to appear in the United States, Europe, and other places that had rarely or never seen mpox cases in the past. 

Guidance about mpox may change as more information becomes available. For updated information about symptoms, protection, data, and other general guidance, please see the CDC page embedded at the bottom of this page. 

What should I do if I have symptoms?

Symptoms of mpox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms (such as sore throat, stuffy nose, or cough), or a rash that looks like pimples or blisters on the face, inside the mouth, and/or on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash may be painful or itchy, and it goes through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

If you have symptoms, call your healthcare provider to get tested. Notify them ahead of time that you are concerned about mpox and want to get a test so they can prepare accordingly. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, Urgent Care offices and hospitals can also conduct mpox tests. Only people with a rash can be tested. 

While you wait for your test, avoid close contact with partners, household members, and others. 

What should I do if I have been exposed to mpox?

If you are a CT resident who is 18 years old or older and has had close contact with someone with confirmed mpox, you are recommended to get a vaccine. You can contact your health care provider or the Health Department at 203-854-7776 with questions or to confirm you are eligible for the vaccine.

Note: CDC recommends that the vaccine be given within 4 days from the date of exposure for the best chance to prevent the onset of the disease.

If you have had close contact with someone who has mpox, monitor for symptoms for 21 days (3 full weeks) after your exposure. If you develop symptoms, please isolate from others and contact your health care provider for a test.

What if I haven’t been exposed to mpox but I am still concerned?

Vaccines are currently available at locations around the state for Connecticut residents. For information about who is eligible and recommended to get the vaccine, visit the CT Department of Public Health website.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Currently, locations throughout Connecticut offer the mpox vaccine, including Circle Care Center in Norwalk. Other providers offer the vaccine in Stamford, Danbury, Bridgeport, and other cities and towns. Please contact a vaccine provider directly for more information. 

You can contact Circle Care Center (203-852-9525 or visit https://www.circlecarecenter.org/monkeypox-explained), and you can find the full list of vaccine providers can be here: https://portal.ct.gov/dph/epidemiology-and-emerging-infections/ct-monkeypox. 

PLEASE NOTE: You must have an appointment at one of these locations to receive a vaccine. 

What else can I do to protect myself from mpox?

  • Be aware of new or unexplained rash on your body or your partner’s body
  • If you or your partner have recently been sick, currently feel sick, or have a new or unexplained rash: See a healthcare provider, and do not have sex or other close, intimate contact
  • Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox, and do not touch their rash or scabs
  • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox
  • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox
  • Do not handle or touch bedding, towels, fetish gear, sex toys, or clothing of a person with mpox

What should I do if I have mpox?

To prevent spreading mpox to others, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people with monkeypox isolate until your rash has fully healed. The full illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. If you need to go out for medical care or other reasons, cover your rash, wear a well-fitting mask, and avoid public transportation. For more information on isolation guidance, visit this CDC page.

Information for Healthcare Providers

Please visit the CT Department of Public Health Monkeypox page and scroll down to the "INFORMATION FOR HEALTH PROVIDERS" section for information about testing supplies and procedures, treatment, contact information for CT DPH, and other frequently asked questions. 

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