Mpox: Data, Symptoms, and Prevention

Since June 1, 2025, Chicago has experienced another outbreak of mpox, with cases spiking in September. But what exactly is mpox? Further, what are the symptoms, who is at greatest risk for transmission, and what steps can people take to protect themselves? What should clinical providers know about testing and identifying mpox in practice?In this episode, Irina ("Dr. T") Tabidze, MD, MPH (Director of Program Operations at CDPH within the Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau) leads a discussion on everything mpox with Taylor Holly, MPH (Epidemiologist III with CDPH within the Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau) and Jahanavi Ramakrishna, MD (Infectious Diseases Fellow with Rush University System for Health & Cook County Health). The trio of health experts discuss the clinical perspective of mpox—transmission, signs and symptoms, vaccination guidance, and testing—and how coordinated public health efforts have contributed to a recent decline in cases (spoiler alert: vaccinations!).Visit the mpox homepage (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/infectious_disease/supp_info/mpox-home.html) on the CDPH site to answer all your mpox questions.Visit the CDPH STI Specialty Clinics homage (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/health_services/svcs/sexual-health-services.html) for more information about free sexual health and wellness resources. [This episode was recorded on October 29, 2025.]