In the current mpox outbreak, reported cases of mpox in children and adolescents are infrequent (<0.01% of total cases) and disease is generally not severe. Exposure to a household contact with mpox is the predominant route of exposure for children, while sexual contact is the predominant route of exposure for adolescents.
Infants, children with eczema and other skin conditions, and children with immunocompromising conditions may be at increased risk of severe disease.
Treatment should be considered on a case-by-case basis for children and adolescents with suspected, probable, or confirmed mpox who are at risk of severe disease or who develop complications of mpox. Tecovirimat is the first-line medication to treat mpox, including in children and adolescents.
Children and adolescents with close contact to people with suspected, probable, or confirmed mpox may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with vaccination, immune globulin, or antiviral medication.
Adolescents at risk for mpox may receive JYNNEOS vaccination before an exposure.
Clinicians caring for adolescents who present with lesions consistent with mpox secondary to sexual transmission should consider testing for mpox, as well as for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and offer appropriate care if tests are positive.
