Mpox (Monkeypox)

Reportable by Providers and Laboratories

About this Reportable Disease

Infectious agent: Mpox virus (an Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae)

Description of illness: Mpox is a viral disease that is primarily spread through close, physical contact. Illness often begins with a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and may occur on or around the genitals or anus, or on other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, face, or in the mouth. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.

Laboratory Reporting for this Disease

Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee, as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2026 are indicated, and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.

Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers

Clinical Summary

  • Mpox is a viral illness caused by the mpox virus (an orthopoxvirus). Clinical presentation commonly includes a characteristic rash/lesions that can occur on the genitals, anus/rectum, mouth, hands/feet, or other areas, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, lymphadenopathy, malaise).
  • Transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious rash/lesions or body fluids, respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, and fomites (e.g., clothing/linens) contaminated by lesions. Clinical suspicion should be guided by compatible symptoms plus exposure risk. 
  • Diagnosis is confirmed by PCR testing of lesion material (preferred). Collect swabs from lesions per public health/lab guidance and coordinate testing through appropriate channels. 
  • Most patients recover with supportive care and pain control; patients with severe disease or high-risk conditions may be considered for mpox-directed therapy. Tecovirimat (TPOXX) use for mpox is described as investigational, and access is guided by CDC protocols and eligibility considerations. 
  • Prevention includes patient counseling on avoiding close contact while infectious and vaccination for eligible people. JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine; CDC provides current recommendations for who should receive it, including post-exposure and pre-exposure scenarios.

Healthcare Provider Reporting

Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.

Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:

• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857

• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.

• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting. 

• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link. 

Information about this Reportable Disease for the Public

What It Is

Mpox is a disease caused by a virus. It is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people, so anyone can get mpox.

Who Is at Risk

Mpox is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people. This means anyone can get mpox. However, based on the current outbreak, certain populations are being affected more than others, including men who have sex with men. Based on previous outbreaks, some groups may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes if they contract mpox. This includes people with weakened immune systems, elderly Tennesseans, and pregnant women.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas such as the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears—or not at all.

How It Spreads

Mpox spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has mpox, including direct contact with sores or rash. It can also spread through respiratory droplets or oral fluids during prolonged close contact and through contact with contaminated items like clothing, bedding, or towels.

How to Protect Yourself

Risk can be lowered by checking with sexual partners about rashes or symptoms, avoiding skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash or other mpox symptoms, and contacting a healthcare provider if you’re exposed or develop symptoms. Vaccination can help prevent mpox; CDC provides current guidance on mpox vaccination (JYNNEOS). 

Mpox Resources

Use the links below for mpox vaccination information, what to do after exposure/testing, and setting-specific guidance for the public, employers, and public health partners.

External Links Disclaimer
Some links below go to TDH pages/documents, while others go to external websites (such as CDC, HHS, EPA). External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TDH is not responsible for external content, availability, or privacy practices.

Vaccination Information (TDH)

Questions about vaccination? Call the TDH Case and Community Support team at 615-770-6940.

What To Do Next (Public-Facing Handouts)

Guidance for Specific Settings (TDH)

Additional Information (CDC – External)

About Mpox 

Signs and Symptoms 

How Mpox Spreads 

Prevention

Caring for the Skin with Mpox 

Outbreaks Information

Public Health and Response Tools (TDH / Partner Resources)

Overview and Recommendations

Review Case Definitions

CDC Recommendations for Health Departments

Investigation, Notification, and Monitoring

Send completed monitoring templates to monkeypox.monitoring@tn.gov.

Case Response Guidance

Testing Information

Tennessee State Public Health Laboratory (TDH)

Diagnostic testing for mpox is also available at the Tennessee State Public Health Laboratory for established patients of local health department clinics or under/un-insured patients.

Please contact your health department to obtain approval prior to submitting specimens. Specimens will not be tested at the state public health laboratory without prior approval.

Commercial Laboratories

Diagnostic testing for mpox is available at Aegis, Labcorp, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Quest, and Sonic.

Prior approval from the health department is not required to order tests at a commercial laboratory.

Reporting and Infection Control

TDH Mpox Reporting Guidance 

EMS Infection Control Considerations 

Situation Update for EMS Professionals 

Guidance for Healthcare Settings 

Guidance for Isolating at Home

EPA List of Disinfectants 

This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM