Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox, previously called Monkeypox, is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mpox is not related to chickenpox. Rather, the mpox virus is in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. The disease was discovered in 1958 in a group of research monkeys. The first recorded human case occurred in 1970.

Mpox is spread through close, personal contact, for example:

• direct contact with either the mpox rash or scabs of a person with the disease
• coming in contact with body fluids or secretions from a person with the disease
• touching objects or surfaces used by someone with mpox

According to CDC, a fetus may contract mpox through the placenta. People can also get mpox from a bite or scratch from an infected animal.

Symptoms

Early stage symptoms of mpox can include:

• fever
• muscle aches, pain
• swollen lymph nodes
• chills and exhaustion

A rash generally follows initial symptoms, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This rash can be itchy or painful, and may look like small blisters. It will also go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

Mpox can be spread from the time initial symptoms start until the rash is over, all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has healed, which can take 2-4 weeks.

Prevention

CDC says that people can take the following steps to prevent getting mpox:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash or who may have mpox.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.

CDC also recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who may be more likely to get mpox.

Because mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox virus infections. If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don't think you had contact with someone who has mpox.

Related Information:

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