Mpox

DISEASE NAME:

Mpox

Zoonotic

Mpox

HPSC is updating webpages with the term “mpox”, in line with the recent World Health Organization recommendation. This is to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology.

Mpox is a very uncommon viral infection that produces a spotty, itchy and sore rash, and sometimes a fever. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (the cause of smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. It does not spread easily between people. The biggest risk of spread between people is through close physical contact, including sexual contact and close contact with household members.

Further information

UK Health Security Agency: Mpox
CDC, US: Mpox
ECDC: Factsheet for health professionals on mpox
WHO: Mpox
WHO: Mpox outbreak tool kit
WHO: Mpox online training module

Guidance

Information for health & care workers

On this page, find information for health & care workers on:

Mpox Guidance
Assessment & Testing Pathways
Management of Cases and Contacts
Forms

For patient information resources please go here

Information about a free counselling service for people experiencing difficulties following an mpox diagnosis, via The MPOWER Programme at HIV Ireland, is available here

Mpox Guidance

Please note that selected mpox guidance documents are currently **UNDER REVIEW**. This is due to the evolving situation following the WHO declaration of Clade I Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14th 2024.

Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for High Consequence Infectious Diseases are available here.