Mpox

Mpox FAQ 

What is mpox? 

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.  

What are the symptoms of mpox? 

Many people with mpox develop a rash on their hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, and/or genitals. The rash may look like pimples or blisters, can be itchy or painful, and will likely go through multiple stages of progression before scabbing and healing. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, headaches, and respiratory symptoms like sore throat, congestion, and cough. Most people with mpox recover in a few weeks. 

How is mpox transmitted? 

Mpox primarily spreads from person to person through close contact, like touching, hugging, or other skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox. Mpox can be spread through intimate contact, like sex. 

Mpox can also spread through contact with objects used or touched by someone with the disease. Objects like clothing, bedsheets, dishes, and utensils that are used by someone who is sick can be contaminated and transmit the disease. A pregnant person with mpox can pass on the virus to the baby during pregnancy or birth. 

Contact with an infected animal alive or dead can also lead to mpox infection. 

Where have cases of mpox been reported? 

Mpox is reported all over the world. It is consistently present and circulating (endemic) in several regions, and it also causes outbreaks and epidemics. Since 2024, one type of mpox, clade I, has caused an outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. Additionally, starting in 2022, another type of mpox, clade II, caused an outbreak with cases in over 122 countries around the world. 

Is there a treatment for mpox? 

People with mpox may receive a variety of treatments to help their symptoms (like rash and pain). Some may be prescribed antivirals as well. So far, however, there is no proven antiviral treatment for mpox. 

Is there a vaccine for mpox? 

There are several vaccines used against mpox, though vaccination is not recommended for everyone. Vaccines can reduce the symptoms of mpox or help people avoid getting sick. They can be given before or after someone is exposed to mpox. 

Vaccine recommendations vary by country. Countries may choose to prioritize people like healthcare workers, people in highly affected areas, household members of someone with mpox, or people with a higher risk of sexual transmission. Generally, mass vaccination is not recommended. 

 How can people protect themselves against mpox? 

Generally, mpox can be avoided by avoiding close contact with someone who is sick with the virus. For carers and healthcare workers, there are specific infection prevention guidelines that reduce the risk of getting mpox. If vaccination is recommended, vaccines can prevent and reduce illness.