What is mpox?
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a rare illness caused by infection with Monkeypox virus. The Monkeypox virus is in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Those who get sick with mpox may develop a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. While the condition is not considered life-threatening for most people, those with a weakened immune systems may be susceptible to more severe illness and hospitalization.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox can spread from person to person or from an infected animal (small mammals such as some species of doormouse, shrews, hedgehogs, prairie dogs and monkeys) to person. You may be at risk for mpox by coming in close contact with an infected animal, including if they bite or scratch you. Mpox can also pass from a mom to her baby before the baby is born.
When transmitted between two people, the virus spreads mainly through close and direct contact with the infectious rash, sores, scabs, or bodily fluids during activities such as touching, hugging, kissing, massaging, and sex. Handling or sharing contaminated objects (e.g., clothes, bed sheets, towels, etc.) from a person with mpox may also spread the infection.
Mpox is not tied to any specific group of people and can be contracted by anyone no matter their age, gender, sexual orientation or race.
Mpox symptoms
If you have mpox, you might experience symptoms within one to three weeks after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms can last two to four weeks and can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Skin rash
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue / tiredness
Mpox rash
A trademark of this condition is a skin rash, which often begins on your face and spreads across your body. It can involve the soles of your feet and palms of your hands. It can also begin on other parts of your body, such as your genitals, anus, mouth or throat.
The mpox rash goes through many stages and can start as a painful or itchy pimple, bump, or blister that may fill with pus and eventually scab over and fall off over a period of two to four weeks. You may spread the virus to others from when symptoms begin and until the rash has completely healed with a new layer of skin having formed.
How is mpox diagnosed?
Mpox can be challenging to diagnose because it can appear similar to other conditions such as chickenpox, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections. To diagnose mpox, your doctor will use a swab to get a sample from the rash on your body. A lab test can analyze the sample to detect the virus and provide confirmation of the disease.
Prevention
An mpox vaccine is available and can help prevent infection. People at increased risk for mpox are encouraged to get vaccinated. Check with your doctor to understand your risk and if you should get the mpox vaccine.
You can also protect yourself by avoiding close contact (e.g., skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin) with persons who have been diagnosed with mpox or have a rash that could be mpox.
Treatment
Treatment for most people aims to manage and ease the symptoms associated with the rash, controlling the pain, and staying hydrated. If you have mpox, isolate at home in a separate room from family and pets until your rash has completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
There is currently no approved treatment for mpox. However, scientists are investigating whether an antiviral medication called tecovirimat (TPOXX) could help in the treatment of mpox. Other therapies may also be available through special requests from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for certain for certain individuals, such as those whose infection with the virus becomes more severe and requires hospitalization.
If you think you are at risk for mpox or have developed symptoms that could be mpox, contact your health care provider for more information.
Get the latest information on mpox outbreaks in the United States.
