Ongoing · Global Outbreak

Mpox 2026 Tracker

Global · clade Ib · WHO, Africa CDC and US CDC

Where It Is Spreading

Sources: WHO Mpox Outbreak · ECDC · US CDC.

About Mpox

Cause
Monkeypox virus; the strain of concern now is clade Ib
Spreads by
Close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact
Illness length
Usually 2 to 4 weeks, then heals
Prevention
JYNNEOS vaccine for those at higher risk

Sources: CDC About Mpox · WHO Mpox fact sheet

Treatments & Vaccines in Development

Mpox has a working vaccine and is treatable. The challenge is getting vaccines and care to the African countries bearing the brunt. Here is what is available.

JYNNEOS (MVA-BN) vaccineVaccine
Approved and in use
Bavarian Nordic

A two-dose vaccine approved to prevent mpox, recommended for people at higher risk of exposure. It works against both clades. The main problem has been getting enough doses to the hardest-hit African countries, not whether the vaccine works.

CDC mpox vaccine guidance
Tecovirimat (TPOXX)Antiviral
Used, evidence mixed
SIGA Technologies

An antiviral developed for smallpox that has been used for severe mpox, especially in high-risk patients. Large trials found it did not clearly speed up recovery in otherwise healthy adults, so it is now focused on severe cases and vulnerable groups alongside supportive care.

CDC mpox treatment guidance
Supportive careSupportive care
First-line for most people
Standard of care

Most people recover on their own in two to four weeks. Care focuses on easing symptoms: pain relief, keeping the rash clean and dry to prevent bacterial infection, and staying hydrated. Isolation until the rash fully heals prevents spread to others.

CDC mpox
Approved / in usePositive trial resultsIn clinical trialsEarly researchHalted