Mpox and People with HIV

Content From: HIV.govUpdated: June 22, 20234 min read

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Spread the word about the Mpox vaccine to get infections to zero and keep them that way.

Mpox and HIV: What’s the Connection?

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. It can spread through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox. While anyone can get mpox, CDC research shows that about 40% of people diagnosed with mpox in the United States also have HIV. Also, people with compromised immunity—like people with untreated HIV—may experience more severe illness or even death.

In fact, a CDC study shows there were 38 mpox-associated deaths in the U.S. between May 10, 2022, and March 7, 2023. Nearly all with complete data on HIV infection were HIV-positive. And among the 24 with HIV and available data, all had advanced HIV.

New cases of mpox have been reported in the United States this spring. It’s important to know about how mpox spreads, how to protect yourself and others, and how to treat it if you get it. Watch the videos below to get the facts.

Learn About the Mpox Vaccine

Demetre Daskalakis, MD, MPH, Director, Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention at CDC and White House National Mpox Response Deputy Coordinator, answers your top mpox questions. Please download and share these videos on your social media channels. Los videos están disponibles en español.

MORE VIDEOS – CLICK BELOW

Get the Facts About Mpox and HIV

Looking for more information about mpox? It’s important to separate myths from facts.

Visit CDC’s mpox site for the latest information about mpox symptoms, how it spreads, prevention, vaccines, treatment, and more.

Read CDC’s FAQ about mpox and HIV.

Fact sheets:

Find more CDC resources here, including mpox resources in other languages

Also, view HHS’ fact sheet, HHS Provides Resources on Ways Communities Can Stay Protected from Mpox in Advance of Summer Months (May 2023).

Isn’t Mpox Over?

The mpox national public health emergency ended on January 31, 2023, but that doesn’t mean the virus is completely gone. Chicago reported a new cluster of mpox cases this spring. Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of mpox. The vaccine may still protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Get vaccinated with both doses of the vaccine, if it is recommended for you.

Also, there continue to be populations experiencing mpox vaccination disparities, such as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Read the Mpox Equity Toolkit to learn how you can be involved in efforts to reach populations most affected by mpox.

Embed CDC’s mpox vaccine locator on your site and register your eligible organization to be included in search results.

Stay Healthy During the Summer of Pride

Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Rachel Levine speaks with Dr. Carlton Thomas, a gastroenterologist and LGBTQI+ health educator, about good health practices for gay, bisexual, and transgender men who have sex with men.  Watch and learnExit Disclaimer.