What is mpox?
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. The monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. But, mpox is less serious than smallpox. Mpox is not related to chicken pox.
Mpox can cause a rash that looks like pimples or blisters
Symptoms usually last 2 to 4 weeks
Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal contact
Most cases of mpox don''t need specific treatment, but some cases are treated with medicines
A vaccine to prevent mpox is available
Mpox is rarely fatal
In 2022, mpox cases were reported in countries that do not usually have mpox infections, but the number of new cases in the United States has dramatically decreased since the peak in August 2022. Before 2022, mpox most often caused disease in Central and West Africa.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
A rash is the most common symptom of mpox. The mpox rash
May be painful or itchy
Begins as flat, red spots
Turns into raised blisters that look like pimples
Often starts on or near your genitals or in your mouth
Can also be on your hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth
Crusts and scabs over before healing
Other symptoms may occur before, during, or after the rash appears
Fever
Chills
Headache
Muscle aches
Backache
Feeling extremely tired
Swollen lymph nodes (sometimes called "swollen glands")
Symptoms may start 1 to 3 weeks after you get infected. You can spread the virus to someone else from the time symptoms start. You stop being able to spread the virus once all lesions have crusted over, scabs have fallen off, and you have healthy skin where the scabs had been. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
