Mpox Fast Facts:

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus.

Symptoms of mpox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

The rash usually appears 1-2 weeks after infection, and goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.  Most infections get better without medication and do not require hospitalization.

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

• Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
• Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
• Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.  It is also possible for mpox to spread between humans and animals.

People should take the following steps to prevent getting mpox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with mpox.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Frequently asked questions: