At a glance
In May 2022, an outbreak of Mpox was identified in Europe and North America. This multi-national outbreak affected individuals in nonendemic countries who had no travel history to West or Central Africa, where mpox primarily occurs.
About the Response
Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. It is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox.
CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support public health partners in responding to the outbreak.
The agency has:
- advised state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments on contact tracing and responding to identified cases;
- conducted genetic sequencing on positive specimens to track any changes to the virus and identify potential variants that might spread more easily or respond differently to treatments
- distributed detailed information on mpox to clinicians
- collaborated with partners to better understand the outbreak and inform response efforts
- provided information and raised awareness to the current situation among partners, disproportionately affected communities, and the public
Content Source:
Office of Readiness and Response