In This Article
What Is Mpox?
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Colorized image of mpox virus particles (orange) in infected cell • CDC
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, an orthopoxvirus related to the virus that caused smallpox. Although the two diseases are related, mpox is generally less severe than smallpox.
The disease was formerly widely known as monkeypox . The World Health Organization adopted mpox as a preferred name in 2022. Some public health agencies and medical resources may use either term, particularly in page titles and web addresses.
Mpox was identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, but monkeys are not believed to be its primary natural reservoir. Various rodents and other small mammals can carry the virus. The first recognized human case was reported in 1970.
Although the disease was historically concentrated in parts of Central and West Africa, international outbreaks have demonstrated that mpox can spread wherever susceptible people have close contact with an infected person.
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How Does Mpox Spread?
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Mpox spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person. A person with mpox can transmit the virus from the beginning of symptoms until the rash has completely healed, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
Person-to-Person Transmission
The virus may spread through:
Direct skin-to-skin contact with mpox lesions, scabs or body fluids
Intimate contact, including sexual contact, kissing, massage or prolonged close physical contact
Contact with saliva or respiratory secretions during close, prolonged face-to-face interaction
Contact with contaminated bedding, towels, clothing or other objects
Pregnancy, when the virus may pass to a developing baby
Mpox does not usually spread as easily as highly contagious airborne infections such as measles. Nevertheless, people sharing a home, bed, clothing or prolonged close contact with an infected person may be at risk.
Animal-to-Person Transmission
People may also acquire the virus through contact with infected animals, including bites, scratches, bodily fluids, lesions or inadequately cooked meat from an infected animal.
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What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
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Symptoms generally begin within 21 days after exposure. Some people experience several symptoms, while others develop only a rash.
Possible symptoms include:
A new or unexplained rash
Firm or painful bumps, blisters, sores or pustules
Fever
Chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Fatigue or low energy
Sore throat, nasal congestion or cough
What Does the Mpox Rash Look Like?
This image from 1971, depicts a view of the right hand and leg, of a 4 year-old female in Bondua, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia, which reveals numerous maculopapular mpox lesions. • CDC
Mpox lesions may initially resemble pimples, blisters or other common skin conditions. They can be deep-seated, firm, painful or itchy and may develop a central indentation.
The rash may appear on the:
Face
Hands or feet
Chest or abdomen
Mouth
Genitals
Area around the anus
During recent outbreaks, some patients developed only a few lesions, sometimes in the genital or anal area. A person may therefore have mpox without developing a widespread rash.
The lesions generally pass through several stages before forming scabs. A person may remain contagious until every lesion has healed, all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.
Is Mpox Dangerous?
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Most people without severe immune suppression recover with supportive care, usually within several weeks. However, mpox should not be dismissed as merely a skin rash. Lesions can be extremely painful, interfere with eating or using the bathroom and occasionally lead to serious complications.
Possible Complications
Severe or prolonged pain
Dehydration
Secondary bacterial skin infections
Pneumonia
Eye infection and possible vision damage
Inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis
Inflammation of the heart, known as myocarditis
Sepsis or widespread infection
Permanent skin discoloration or scarring
Severe illness and death are uncommon among healthy people infected with some forms of the virus, but the risk varies according to the viral clade, access to medical care and the patient’s underlying health.
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Who Is at Greater Risk of Severe Mpox?
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Certain people may face a higher risk of serious illness, including:
People with severely weakened immune systems
People with advanced or poorly controlled HIV
People receiving chemotherapy or certain immune-suppressing treatments
Infants and very young children
Pregnant people
People with eczema, atopic dermatitis or certain other extensive skin conditions
People whose lesions affect the eyes, mouth, genitals or rectum
Anyone in a higher-risk group who develops possible symptoms or learns of an exposure should contact a qualified healthcare professional promptly.
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How Is Mpox Diagnosed?
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Because mpox can resemble chickenpox, herpes, shingles, syphilis and other skin conditions, appearance alone may not provide a reliable diagnosis.
A healthcare professional generally collects swab samples from one or more lesions. A laboratory then uses a molecular test, usually polymerase chain reaction or PCR, to look for viral genetic material.
Tell the healthcare provider about any recent close contact, travel, sexual exposure, contact with animals or attendance at an event where exposure may have occurred. Complete information can help the provider order appropriate testing while protecting patient privacy.
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How Is Mpox Treated?
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Many people recover with supportive care, including pain control, fluids, rest and appropriate care of the affected skin.
Supportive treatment may include:
Prescription or nonprescription pain relief recommended by a healthcare professional
Maintaining adequate fluid intake
Keeping lesions clean and dry when possible
Treating secondary bacterial infections when present
Managing complications involving the eyes, mouth, rectum or other sensitive areas
No medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treating mpox. However, certain medical countermeasures originally developed for smallpox may be available to selected patients under applicable treatment protocols.
Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, may be considered for some patients with severe disease or a substantial risk of progression. Eligibility, availability and treatment procedures can change, so patients should discuss current options with their healthcare team.
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How Can Mpox Be Prevented?
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Practical measures can reduce the likelihood of infection and transmission:
Avoid direct contact with an unexplained rash or lesions
Avoid close physical or intimate contact with a person who has mpox symptoms
Do not share bedding, towels, clothing, eating utensils or personal items with an infected person
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and contaminated surfaces
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when caring for an infected person
Follow public health advice regarding isolation and vaccination
What Should a Person With Mpox Do?
A person with suspected or confirmed mpox should contact a healthcare professional and follow local public health instructions. CDC advises people with mpox symptoms to remain at home when possible and avoid close contact until the rash has healed, the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
Lesions should be covered when practical, and infected individuals should avoid contact with pets and other animals because the virus may spread from people to animals.
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Who Should Get the Mpox Vaccine?
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Routine mpox vaccination is not currently recommended for the entire U.S. population. CDC recommends vaccination for people who have experienced a known or suspected exposure and for people with specified factors that increase their likelihood of exposure.
CDC Vaccination Recommendations
Under current CDC guidance, vaccination is recommended for people who:
Have had a known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
Had a sexual partner diagnosed with mpox during the previous two weeks
Are gay, bisexual or another man who has sex with men, or are transgender or nonbinary, and have had certain sexual risk factors during the previous six months
Have had a new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections during the previous six months and belong to a group covered by current CDC recommendations
Have had more than one sexual partner during the previous six months and belong to a group covered by current CDC recommendations
Have had sex at a commercial sex venue or in connection with a large public event in an area where mpox transmission is occurring
Have a sexual partner with one or more of the applicable risk factors
Anticipate experiencing one or more of the applicable exposure risks
May be exposed occupationally while working with monkeypox virus or related orthopoxviruses in certain laboratories or specialized healthcare settings
Are identified by public health officials as candidates for vaccination during an outbreak
Recommendations can differ according to location, occupation, travel plans and outbreak conditions. A healthcare professional or local health department can help determine whether vaccination is appropriate.
The JYNNEOS Vaccine
JYNNEOS is the vaccine most commonly used for mpox prevention in the United States. It contains a weakened, nonreplicating form of modified vaccinia virus and cannot cause mpox.
The standard vaccination series consists of two doses, generally administered 28 days apart. The best immune response develops approximately two weeks after the second dose. People who received only one dose should ask a healthcare professional about completing the series, even when more than 28 days have passed.
Vaccination reduces risk but does not guarantee that a person will never become infected. Vaccinated individuals should continue following appropriate risk-reduction measures.
Vaccination After Exposure
Vaccination may help prevent mpox when given soon after exposure. CDC generally recommends administering the vaccine as quickly as possible, ideally within four days of exposure. Vaccination given 4 to 14 days after exposure may not prevent infection but could reduce symptoms.
Anyone who believes an exposure has occurred should contact a healthcare provider or health department promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Possible Vaccine Side Effects
Common side effects may include:
Pain, redness, swelling, firmness or itching where the vaccine was given
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle aches
Nausea
Serious reactions are uncommon. People with a history of severe allergic reactions or concerns about vaccination should discuss the benefits and risks with a qualified healthcare professional.
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When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider?
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Seek medical advice if you:
Develop a new or unexplained rash
Develop blisters, pustules or sores after a possible exposure
Have had close contact with someone diagnosed with mpox
Experience severe pain, dehydration, breathing problems or confusion
Develop lesions in or near the eyes
Are pregnant, immunocompromised or otherwise at increased risk of severe disease
Call the medical office before arriving when possible. This allows staff members to take appropriate infection-control precautions.
Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, severe confusion, loss of consciousness or another life-threatening emergency.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mpox
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Is mpox the same as smallpox?
No. Mpox and smallpox are caused by related orthopoxviruses, but they are different diseases. Mpox has generally caused less severe illness than smallpox, although serious cases can occur.
Can mpox spread through casual contact?
Brief casual interaction is generally less likely to transmit mpox than direct skin contact, intimate contact or prolonged close exposure. Transmission may nevertheless occur through contaminated objects or close contact with lesions and body fluids.
Can someone spread mpox without a visible rash?
A rash may be small, hidden or mistaken for another condition. People should therefore consider the complete pattern of symptoms and possible exposures rather than relying only on the presence of a widespread visible rash.
How long does mpox last?
Symptoms commonly last two to four weeks, although the duration varies. A person may remain contagious until every lesion has healed, the scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.
Can a person get mpox more than once?
Reinfection is possible. A previous infection or vaccination should not be treated as a guarantee of lifelong protection.
Does the JYNNEOS vaccine cause mpox?
No. JYNNEOS does not contain monkeypox virus and cannot cause mpox.
Does everyone need the mpox vaccine?
No. Routine vaccination is not currently recommended for the entire public. It is recommended for people with particular exposure histories or risk factors defined by public health authorities.
Where can someone obtain an mpox vaccine?
Availability varies. Contact a healthcare provider, pharmacy, community clinic or local health department. The official directories below can help readers locate state and local public health agencies.
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Medical Disclaimer
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This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Medical knowledge, outbreak conditions, vaccine eligibility and public health recommendations can change. Always consult a physician or another qualified healthcare professional about symptoms, possible exposure, vaccination, medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of information contained in this article.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or the emergency number for your location immediately.
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Current Guidance From Public Health Authorities
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Consult these official resources for the latest information. External guidance may be revised as outbreaks and scientific evidence change.
Last medically reviewed for public-health-source accuracy:
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The Bottom Line
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Mpox is manageable, but it can cause severe pain and occasionally serious complications. Recognizing symptoms, avoiding close contact during infection, obtaining prompt medical advice and receiving vaccination when recommended are the most important protective steps.
Because mpox guidance depends on exposure, personal risk, location and current outbreak conditions, readers should rely on updated recommendations from qualified healthcare professionals and official public health agencies.
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[1]: https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Vaccine for Monkeypox Prevention in the United States”
