What is Mpox?
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by the mpox virus. It can cause a painful rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Mpox spreads through close, personal, skin-to-skin contact. This includes sexual contact, as well as hugging, massaging, and kissing. It can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, and by touching objects (like bedding or clothing) that have been used by someone with mpox.
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure. They include:
- A rash or sores that can be located on or near the genitals or anus, but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- Fever and chills.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.
Sometimes, people have a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment for mpox for most people. The illness is usually mild and resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms.
Antiviral medication, like tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like individuals with weakened immune systems.
Prevention
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials a person with mpox has used.
- Wash your hands often.
- Vaccination is an effective tool for preventing mpox. Consult with our doctors to see if vaccination is right for you.