CDC Reports First Monkeypox Cases in Children in the United States

CDC and its state partners are working to investigate the first two confirmed infections with orthopoxvirus in children in the United States during the current monkeypox outbreak. The two cases are unrelated, located in different jurisdictions, had no contact with each other, and likely the result of household transmission. One case is a toddler who is a resident of California, and the other is an infant who is not a U.S. resident. CDC and public health authorities are still investigating how the children became infected. While both children have monkeypox symptoms, they are in good health and are receiving TPOXX (tecovirimat).

Since the outbreak began in May, most of the cases have occurred within gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. However, CDC has emphasized that monkeypox can affect anyone who has close contact with people who have monkeypox, and this includes children. Monkeypox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, which – in the case of children – could include holding, cuddling, feeding, as well as through shared items such as towels, bedding, cups, and utensils.

Monkeypox infections may be more severe in children since their immune systems may not be fully developed and they most likely haven’t been vaccinated against smallpox. It’s not known if children can more easily pick up monkeypox infection than adults when around someone else who has monkeypox.

CDC has developed guidance for healthcare providers about identifying, preventing, and treating monkeypox in children and teens. Data about infections in children are limited and CDC is working to learn more. We will provide updated guidance as needed.

###
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether disease start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.