Mpox
An illness caused by the Monkeypox virus
Overview
Monkeypox (Mpox) is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus family. There are two types of mpox virus: clade I and clade II. In the U.S., only clade II has been found.
An outbreak of clade I mpox is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and nearby African countries. The World Health Organization declared it a public health emergency on August 14, 2024. However, the risk to the U.S. remains low, with no cases of clade I mpox reported in Alaska or the U.S.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
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
Symptoms develop approximately 7-14 days after a person has been exposed but may be as early as 5 days and as late as 21 days. The rash begins as a flat rash, then progresses to raised bumps which become filled with fluid. Eventually the rash crusts over and scabs develop. Some people may have only one sore, bump, or blister. This may look different from pictures you see online.
Treatment
If you test positive for mpox, ask your health care provider about whether treatment is right for you. Antiviral drugs developed to treat related viral illnesses may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill or patients with weakened immune systems.
Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.
Prevention
- The JYNNEOS vaccine can help prevent mpox and is recommended for people at high risk for mpox infection. If you wish to get the mpox vaccine, speak to your healthcare provider.
- Before visiting a health care provider, patients who are concerned they might have mpox should call ahead to let their health care provider know.
- Avoid close contact, including sex, with people who have mpox symptoms like sores or rashes.
- Do not handle or share the bedding, towels, or clothing used by a person with mpox.
- Always talk to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illnesses. Be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body.