The Ohio Department of Health is updating webpages with the term "mpox" to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior terminology. This change is aligned with the recent World Health Organization decision.

BACKGROUND

During 2022, cases of mpox have been reported in the United States and other countries where mpox is not typically found. The first mpox case in Ohio was reported in June 2022. Since that time, multiple cases have been identified across the state, with most cases reported in large metropolitan areas. The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) continues to collaborate with public health and healthcare partners to identify cases, ensure appropriate care for patients, and prevent spread of the virus.

People with mpox in the current outbreak generally report having close, sustained physical contact with other people who have mpox.

For general information about mpox, please visit ODH’s Frequently Asked Questions about Mpox. Clinicians and local health jurisdictions should refer to the ODH Infectious Disease Control Manual and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Mpox website for more detailed information, including diagnostic testing, reporting, treatment, and public health management.  

CONFIRMED MPOX/ORTHOPOXVIRUS CASES

Confirmed mpox/orthopoxvirus cases include individuals with detection of mpox virus or orthopoxvirus DNA, or detection by genomic sequencing, in clinical specimens.  

For specific information on case definition and case classifications status, see the ODH Infectious Disease Control Manual.