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What You Need To Know About Mpox

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the Mpox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder.  Since May 2022 several clusters of Mpox have been reported in several countries that do not normally have Mpox including European countries (UK, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden), Canada, Australia, and the United States.

PRESENTATION FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, a Geisel professor of medicine, infectious disease specialist, and New Hampshire's deputy state epidemiologist,  hosted an online webinar about Mpox for the Dartmouth community on Aug. 17, 2022.  You can watch the webinar here.

The latest campus community messages regarding Mpox are now available.

JYNNEOS Vaccine Sites in New Hampshire to Prevent Mpox Virus Infection

Currently, CDC is not encouraging vaccination against Mpox for the broader public or for everyone who is sexually active, however, you may want to get vaccinated if:

  • You have been identified as a close contact of someone with Mpox.
  • You learn that one of your sex partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with Mpox.

In addition, you may want to get vaccinated if you are a man who has sex with other men or are a transgender or gender-diverse person who has sex with men and if any of the following apply:

  • Having three (3) or more new sex partners in the last month, 
  • Engaging in group or anonymous sex, 
  • Having sex at sex-on-site venues/events, 
  • Taking medicine to prevent HIV (HIV PrEP). 

To receive vaccine, you may need a referral from your provider at Dartmouth College Health Service.  To discuss a referral, please call (603) 646-9401 to schedule a brief phone consult with one of our providers.  You may also schedule online.

For more information, visit the NH website.

Where can I obtain the vaccine?

We are fortunate to have many options in our area for those seeking the vaccine. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services lists several options in New Hampshire, the closest and easiest for students may be the clinic at DHMC.

In Vermont, there are options listed here by Heath Vermont. One location which may be convient for students and others in the area is Planned Parenthood in White River Junction. This location has confirmed with us that they are offering the vaccine to all who qualify, with no residency or citizenship requirements.

How Can I Learn More About Mpox?

Click here for more information regarding prevention, spread and signs and symptoms of Mpox.

Mpox Facts For People Who Are Sexually Active

Click here for information on Mpox Facts for people who are sexually active.

Is there Mpox in New Hampshire?

While there have been confirmed cases of Mpox in New Hampshire, there have been no suspected or confirmed cases on the Dartmouth campus.  Dartmouth College Health Service is monitoring the situation closely.  Up to date information regarding Mpox in New Hampshire can be found here.