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Mpox

What Mpox is:

Mpox is a viral illness that is rarely fatal, and infections are most often mild.

However, serious illness and death can occur, especially among people with immunocompromising conditions like HIV, older adults, young children, and pregnant women.

Mpox sores can be extremely painful and leave permanent scarring. Information on managing and caring for mpox symptoms, as well as treatment, can be found on the If You Are Sick or Exposed tab.

The mpox virus is in the same family of viruses that causes smallpox. It is not related to chickenpox.

How Mpox Spreads:

Mpox is primarily spread through close, intimate contact (e.g., oral, anal, or vaginal sex; kissing; face-to-face contact). Transmission occurs through direct contact with:

Mpox sores, scabs, or rashes; and
Respiratory droplets, saliva, or mucus of someone with mpox.

While less likely, mpox can also be spread:

By touching objects, fabrics, or surfaces (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) used by someone with mpox;

To the fetus during pregnancy, or to the newborn during or after birth; and
To humans who have close contact with an infected animal in areas where mpox is endemic, such as West and Central Africa (e.g., rope and sun squirrels, giant-pouched rats, African dormice).

Mpox infections in the United States have primarily affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), but anyone can get mpox. Those recommended to receive vaccination against mpox can be found here.

What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?

Mpox symptoms typically start within three (3) weeks of exposure to the virus; mpox illness usually lasts 2-4 weeks. Symptoms of mpox can include:

Rashes, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals or in other areas like your hands, feet, chest, or face.
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur before or after the rash appears, or not at all.

If you have been exposed to mpox or have symptoms, see What to Do If You Are Sick or Exposed.

How to Protect Yourself from Mpox:

Protect yourself from mpox by taking these simple steps:

Get two-doses of JYNNEOS mpox vaccine (Find a vaccine location near you). This vaccine is free and available regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other mpox-related symptoms.
Talk with your sexual partner(s) about whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with mpox or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and if so, seek testing and treatment.

It is especially important for those who may be at higher risk for severe disease, including people with weakened immune systems, to protect themselves from mpox.