Mpox (monkeypox)

Mpox (monkeypox) began making the news following a surge in new cases in summer 2022. This outbreak includes reports of cases in several countries where mpox hadn’t been seen before. This includes the United States. In July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and in August 2022, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the ongoing spread of mpox virus in the U.S. a Public Health Emergency. By 2023, the number of cases decreased drastically.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. It has similar symptoms to smallpox, but it is milder and rarely fatal. Though the names sound alike, mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Symptoms

Most infected people have mild cases, but there is risk for serious disease. Mpox can cause several symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Rash
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Back ache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Most people with mpox report a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. It can appear on the face, including the inside of the mouth. It can also appear on other parts of the body including the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Other people only experience a rash.

Most people with mpox report a rash that can look like pimples or blisters. It can appear on the face, including the inside of the mouth. It can also appear on other parts of the body including the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Other people only experience a rash.

Causes

Mpox is caused by a virus. The virus can spread from person-to-person in several ways:

• Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids that are infected
• Respiratory secretions (breathing) during prolonged face to face contact or during kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Touching items (like clothing or linens) that have touched the rash or body fluids of someone who is infected
• An infected pregnant person spreading it to the fetus through the placenta

You can also get the virus by being scratched or bitten by an infected animal. It can also come from meat or other products made from an infected animal.

Diagnosis

Because the symptoms of mpox are similar to other diseases, your doctor will have to check for symptoms that are unique to mpox. Swollen lymph nodes are one such symptom. Your doctor may feel along your neck, armpits, or groin to check your lymph nodes for swelling.

If you have a rash or sore, your doctor may use a swab to take a sample and send it to a lab to be tested.

Preventing mpox

The risk to most people from mpox remains low, and there are many things you can do to reduce your risk even more. Take steps to avoid mpox as you would other viruses. These include:

• Avoiding close skin contact with anyone who has an mpox-like rash (touching, kissing, cuddling, or having sex)
• Not sharing utensils or cups with someone who has mpox
• Not handling bedding, towels, or clothing of an infected person
• Washing your hands often with soap and water
• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

The CDC offers guidance for social gatherings and safer sex practices.

There are vaccines for the mpox virus, but these are not yet available in all places. These are recommended for people who have been exposed and who may be at higher risk of being exposed. Mpox vaccine availability will be increasing very soon, so check with your doctor if you feel you would benefit from getting the vaccine.

Treatment

There are no treatments specifically for mpox. But because it is similar to smallpox, treatments for smallpox have been effective.

Antiviral drugs, such as tecovirimat, may be prescribed by your doctor if you are more likely to get severely ill.

Living with mpox

The version of mpox in the current outbreak typically causes mild symptoms for 2-4 weeks and is rarely fatal. The CDC reports that while most people who contract mpox virus will recover, it is a more dangerous condition for those who are immune compromised. Children under age 8, those with compromised immune systems, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to suffer a more severe form of the illness.

The most common long-term effects will likely be scarring from the skin rash and possibly lasting vision loss in cases of eye involvement, which could lead damage to the cornea.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Am I at a high risk for getting mpox?
• What can I do to avoid mpox?
• Should I get vaccinated for mpox?
• I’m pregnant or breastfeeding, what precautions should I take to avoid passing mpox along to my baby?

Resources

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control: Mpox

The Cleveland Clinic: Mpox

This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Erin Corriveau, MD, MPH.