What you need to know now about mpox and the mpox vaccine
October 29, 2026
By Matt Crehan Higgins, associate vice president of specialty care
This month (October 2026), there’s been an increase in mpox cases throughout Western New York. Mpox is a preventable and treatable viral illness that has been infrequent in the region since its initial outbreak in 2022.
Read on for the latest info about what’s happening with mpox today.
In this article:
What is mpox?
What are the symptoms of mpox?
Is mpox back?
How do I prevent mpox?
What is mpox and what are the symptoms?
Mpox is a viral illness that’s spread through close contact with someone with mpox. This could be through skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, or talking/breathing closely.
Look out for these symptoms of mpox to keep yourself healthy:
- a sore throat or flu-like symptoms
- swollen lymph nodes and tiredness
- a rash that looks like pimples or blisters at first, and may scab before healing
The first symptom is often a sore throat, and Mpox can be passed to others from the time symptoms start until the rash is fully healed.
While anyone can get mpox, the people most at risk are:
- people with multiple sexual partners
- men who have sex with men
- transgender people
- sex workers and their clients
Is mpox back?
During the initial outbreak in 2022, federal, state, and local health departments quickly partnered with organizations like Evergreen to distribute vaccines to those most at risk, leading to a quick decline in mpox cases.
While you probably haven’t heard about mpox since then, cases have continued to circulate at low levels since the initial outbreak.
Mpox is a viral illness, similar to the cold or flu. While we’re seeing this current uptick in cases, if you experience cold or flu-like symptoms, or if you know you’ve been in contact with someone with mpox, contact your primary care provider right away.
Evergreen patients: call 716.847.2441 (press option 5), 24/7, to report a possible mpox exposure or symptoms.
If you know or think you’ve been exposed to mpox, notify your partners so that they can understand their risk and make informed decisions.
How do I prevent mpox?
The two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine series remains the most effective way to prevent mpox. The vaccine is available for everyone, but it’s especially important in the communities that are most at risk, including men who have sex with men and people with multiple sexual partners.
Vaccines are available at Evergreen Health and the Erie County Department of Health Sexual Health Clinic.
If you’ve received the two-dose vaccine series in the past, there is no current recommendation for boosters or additional doses.
Resources:
Erie County Department of Health: Mpox (716.858.7687)