Before we begin: Mpox (monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Learn about the symptoms and how it spreads, and vaccinations.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about mpox. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is mpox? Mpox, which used to be called monkeypox, is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is in the same family of viruses as the smallpox virus.
Mpox can be spread between animals and people, but it’s mainly spread through close contact with someone who has it. It is found regularly in parts of Central, Eastern and West Africa. The virus that causes it has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.
Some outbreaks of mpox have affected people in many countries around the world, including the United States.
What are the types of monkeypox viruses? There are two types of monkeypox viruses:
Clade I is regularly found in Central and Eastern Africa. It causes more severe illness and deaths than clade II.
Clade II is regularly found in West Africa. Infections from clade II are less severe. Most people who get this type will survive. This type is the cause of the global mpox outbreak that peaked in 2022 but has continued to decrease.
How does mpox spread? Mpox spreads in different ways:
Through close, personal contact with someone who has the virus:
Through direct contact with their rash, scabs, or body fluids
By breathing in the virus during prolonged, face-to-face contact
During intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, hugging, massage or sex
During pregnancy, from the mother to the fetus.
From touching items (such as clothes, bedding, or towels) that were used by someone who has the virus
From infected animals:
By being scratched or bitten by the animal
By preparing or eating meat or using products from the animal
Someone who has mpox can spread it from the time their symptoms start until their rash has fully healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Researchers have found that some people can spread mpox to others from 1 to 4 days before their symptoms appear. It is not known how often this happens.
What are the symptoms of mpox? The symptoms of mpox usually start within 3 weeks from the time you were exposed to the virus. The symptoms may include:
A rash with sores that can look like pimples or blisters. It could be on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. It goes through different stages, including scabs, before healing. This can take 2-4 weeks.
Fever.
Chills.
Swollen lymph nodes (“swollen glands”).
Exhaustion.
Headache.
Muscle aches and backache.
Respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough.
You may have all or only a few symptoms:
You may get a rash first, followed by other symptoms
You may have flu-like symptoms and then develop a rash 1-4 days later
You may only get a rash
How is mpox diagnosed? To find out if you have mpox, your health care provider:
Will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Will look at your rash.
Will take a sample of tissue from one of the sores so it can be tested for the monkeypox virus.
May do blood tests to check for monkeypox virus or for antibodies to the virus. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria.
What are the treatments for mpox? There are no treatments specifically for mpox, but many people get better on their own.
Since mpox and smallpox are similar, antiviral medicines that treat smallpox may also help treat mpox. Antiviral medicines may be recommended for people have severe mpox or are at risk of severe mpox, for example because they:
Have immune system, for example from HIV or other conditions
Are pregnant
Are children, especially those under age 1
Have certain active skin conditions that can cause widespread infection, such as eczema, impetigo, or psoriasis
If you have mpox, it is recommended that you stay home from the time you have symptoms until your mpox rash has healed and a new layer of skin has formed. It would be best to stay in a separate room from your family members and pets if you can.
Can mpox be prevented? JYNNEOS is a vaccine that can help prevent mpox (and smallpox). The vaccine is given in two doses 4 weeks apart. Getting both doses gives the best protection.
The vaccine is recommended for people who are at risk of mpox, for example because they:
Had or think they could’ve had exposure to someone with mpox
Are a man who has sex with men, who in the last 6 months had:
One or more sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
More than one sexual partner
Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse)
Sex at a large public event where people had spread mpox
Had a sex partner who is at risk of mpox
Expect to be in any of these situations
Are at risk of exposure at work, for example at a lab or healthcare facility
Will be traveling to an area where there is an outbreak and, while there, will likely have sex:
With a new partner
At a commercial sex venue or large public event
In exchange for money or drugs
Check with your provider to see if the vaccine is recommended for you.
There are also other steps you can take to help prevent mpox:
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with the mpox rash. So, while a person is sick with mpox:
Do not touch their rash or scabs
Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with them
Avoid contact with items that were used by someone who has mpox:
Do not touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person who has mpox
Do not share eating utensils or cups with them
If you or someone you live with has mpox, clean and disinfect your home
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Also known as: Monkeypox.
Related topics: Monkeypox.
Categories: Infections.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding mpox is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.