Mpox (also called monkeypox) is an infection caused by the mpox virus, which is related to the smallpox virus. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox but are usually milder. Mpox is rarely deadly.
Scientists first found the virus in monkeys in 1958. The first human case was recorded in 1970. Before the 2022 U.S. outbreak, most cases outside of Africa were linked to international travel or to animals brought from affected countries.
Anyone can get mpox. It does not depend on gender identity or sexual orientation.
People with mpox often get a rash. It can appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. It can also appear near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, vagina) or the anus.
The rash:
- Goes through several stages, including scabs
- May look like pimples or blisters
- May be painful or itchy
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches or back aches
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, stuffy nose, or cough)
The time between exposure and symptoms (the incubation period) is 3–17 days. During this time, people may feel fine and do not have symptoms.
Mpox spreads through close, personal contact, especially skin-to-skin contact. It can spread through:
- Direct contact with the rash or scabs
- Contact with a person's saliva or nasal mucus
- Contact with areas around the anus, rectum, or vagina
- Intimate contact, including:
- Oral, anal, or vaginal sex
- Touching genitals or the anus
- Hugging, kissing, or massage
- Prolonged face-to-face contact
The risk is low from touching objects like clothing, bedding, or towels unless they haven't been cleaned after someone with mpox used them.
People with mpox should stay home and isolate. If they have a rash or other symptoms, they should stay in a separate room from others when possible.
People who don't have symptoms can't spread mpox.
People can spread mpox from the time symptoms start until the rash heals and a fresh layer of skin forms. The typically takes 2–4 weeks.
To prevent mpox:
- Get vaccinated if you have been exposed or are at higher risk
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has the mpox rash
- Do not touch the rash or scabs
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with mpox
- Do not share eating utensils or cups
- Do not touch bedding, towels, or clothing if a sick person has used them
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
If you are in Central or West Africa:
- Avoid contact with animals that can spread mpox virus, usually rodents and primates
- Avoid sick or dead animals and anything they have touched
A person who is sick with mpox should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room or area from other family members and pets when possible.
A healthcare worker will take 2–4 swabs of lesions on different parts of the body and send the samples to a laboratory. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you should be tested.
Most people get better on their own within 2-4 weeks without medical treatment.
You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-itch creams.
There is no medicine made specifically for mpox. However, an antiviral drug called Tecovirimat (TPOXX) may help people with severe illness or people at higher risk of severe disease, like those with weak immune systems or certain skin conditions. Please reach out to your healthcare provider to see if treatment is right for you.
Eligibility
The mpox vaccine JYNNEOS can help prevent infection or lower the severity of symptoms. It is given in two doses, four weeks apart. You are considered fully protected two weeks after the second dose.
CDC recommends getting the mpox vaccine if you:
- Had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
- Had a sex partner in the past 2 weeks who was diagnosed with mpox
- Are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, or are transgender or nonbinary and in the past 6 months have had any of the following:
- A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
- More than one sex partner
- Have had any of the following in the past 6 months:
- Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bathhouse)
- Sex related to a large commercial event or in a geographic area (city or county for example) where mpox virus transmission is occurring
- Have a sex partner with any of the above risks
- Anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios
- Are traveling to a country with a clade I mpox outbreak and anticipate any of the following activities during travel:
- Sex with a new partner
- Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., a sex club or bathhouse)
- Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade
- Sex in association with a large public event (e.g., a rave, party, or festival)
- Are at risk for occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses (e.g., certain people who work in a laboratory or a healthcare facility).
Find Your Vaccine
Please contact your healthcare provider, local pharmacy, or community health center for mpox vaccine availability.
Arlington County Public Health offers the mpox vaccine for people who:
- Do not have insurance, or
- Have insurance that does not cover the vaccine
Vaccine supply is limited. Check our clinic hours and call 703-228-7444 to make an appointment.