• Mpox virus continues to circulate at low levels across the U.S. Four cases of mpox have been reported to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) since September 23, 2026, two of which are clade I. These are the first cases of clade I mpox identified in Maine.
• People at risk for mpox exposure should seek vaccination. This includes gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender or nonbinary people who have a recent diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease. Vaccination is also recommended for anyone with more than one sex partner, or those who have had sex at a commercial sex venue or a large public event in a geographic area with active mpox transmission. Maine’s Universal Immunization Program provides the Jynneos vaccine for eligible people through age 64.
• As of October 9, 2026, there were six confirmed or probable cases of mpox reported to the Maine CDC in 2026. All six cases reported male to male sexual contact, and most had no recent history of travel outside the U.S. Four of the cases, 2 in Knox, 1 in Sagadahoc, 1 in Androscoggin, were reported since September 23, 2026. The two cases from early 2026 were clade II, and two cases from September 2026 were clade I. These are the first cases of clade I mpox identified in Maine. Clade testing is ongoing for the remaining two cases. There are no indications, at this time, of linkages between the four new cases.
• Regardless of clade, the recommendations for prevention of mpox are the same: the Maine CDC encourages clinicians to remain alert for patients who present with symptoms of mpox, including rash, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. Clinicians should encourage and offer vaccination for mpox to those at risk.

 A FULL VERSION OF THIS ADVISORY IS ATTACHED IN .PDF FORMAT.

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https://storage.googleapis.com/juniper-media-library/174/2026/10/2026PHADV029MpoxUpdate.pdf