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Kansas City Shares Mpox Update and Prevention Guidance
Risk to the public remains low; vaccination and prevention steps encouraged
For immediate release: Friday, January 2, 2026
The Kansas City Health Department continues to monitor ongoing transmission of Monkey Pox (mpox) caused by the Clade II strain of the Mpox virus. This activity is consistent with Mpox cases reported nationally. While the risk to the public remains low, the Kansas City Health Department encourages awareness and prevention, especially among people at increased risk.
Mpox is a virus that spreads mainly through close, skin-to-skin contact, including intimate or sexual contact and close household exposure such as sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has mpox. Mpox can infect anyone who is exposed, though certain groups are at higher risk.
"We want residents to know that the overall risk remains low," said Marvia Jones, Director of the Kansas City Health Department."By staying informed, getting vaccinated if eligible, and taking simple precautions, Kansas Citians can help limit the spread of Mpox."
Who is at higher risk?
People at higher risk for Mpox include:
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People with multiple sexual partners
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Men who have sex with men
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Transgender and nonbinary people
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People with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system
Global and national context
Mpox continues to circulate in the United States at low levels. In addition, an ongoing outbreak of Mpox caused by the Clade I mpox virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concerns about the potential for increased transmission and more severe disease globally. At this time, all Mpox cases identified in Kansas City have been linked to Clade II, which generally causes milder illness.
Symptoms and prevention
Mpox often causes a rash or lesions that can be painful, along with flu-like symptoms. Symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks. People who are sick or have symptoms of Mpox should avoid close or intimate contact with others to prevent the spread.
Individuals being tested for Mpox should stay home until test results are known. Anyone who tests positive should remain isolated until all lesions have healed and a new layer of skin has formed. People diagnosed with Mpox should notify close contacts as soon as possible so they can watch for symptoms and seek vaccination if eligible.
Recommendations for the Public
The Kansas City Health Department recommends the following steps to help prevent the spread of Mpox and protect individual and community health:
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Get vaccinated if you are at increased risk
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Avoid close or intimate contact with people who are sick or have a rash or sores
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Do not share personal items such as bedding, towels, clothing, or sex toys
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Watch for symptoms such as rash, sores, fever, or swollen lymph nodes
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Stay home while waiting for the Mpox test results
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Isolate if diagnosed until all sores have healed
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Notify close contacts if you test positive so they can monitor symptoms and get vaccinated
Vaccination and Testing Information
Mpox vaccines are available at the Kansas City Health Department for individuals who meet eligibility criteria. For details on who is eligible to receive the mpox vaccination, please visit the CDC Mpox Vaccine Eligibility page.
Eligible residents can receive Mpox vaccinations at the Kansas City Health Department Immunization Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Community members who are unsure of their vaccination status or who need vaccines are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6008.
If you believe you have Mpox symptoms, including a rash or lesions, please contact the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6132 to determine whether you are eligible for testing at the State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL).
Sexual Health Clinic
Kansas City Health Department Sexual Health Clinic 2400 Troost Ave., Suite 2000
Clinic Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Closed from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch)
About the Kansas City Health Department
The Kansas City Health Department works to protect and improve the health of all Kansas City residents through prevention, education, community outreach, and strategic partnerships. Learn more at kcmo.gov/health.
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