Mpox (monkeypox)

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Currently there is no treatment approved specifically for mpox virus infections. For most patients with mpox who have intact immune systems and don't have a skin disease, supportive care and pain control will help them recover without medical treatment.

Typically for mpox, fever, muscle aches and sore throat appear first. The mpox rash begins on the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and evolves over 2-4 weeks in stages – macules, papules, vesicles, pustules. Lesions dip in the centre before crusting over.

Mpox is rare. But the number of cases is increasing in Africa, as well as in regions that haven’t seen these infections before.For decades, mpox was mostly seen in Africa. But it’s occasionally found in other countries, including the United States.

In the summer of 2021, a case of Mpox was found in a U.S. resident who had travelled from Nigeria to the United States. Then, 2022 brought outbreaks to regions outside of Africa, including Europe, the Americas and Australia.

In Africa, most cases are among children under 15 years old. Outside of Africa, the disease appears to be more common in men who have sex with men (MSM), but there are numerous cases in people who don’t fall into that category.

Mpox spreads when you come into contact with an animal or a person infected with the virus.

Person-to-person spread (transmission) occurs when you come in contact with the sores, scabs, respiratory droplets or oral fluids of a person who’s infected, usually through close, intimate situations like cuddling, kissing or sex. Research is ongoing, but experts aren’t sure if the virus is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids.

Animal-to-person transmission occurs through broken skin, like from bites or scratches, or through direct contact with an infected animal’s blood, bodily fluids or pox lesions (sores).

You can also get Mpox by coming into contact with recently contaminated materials like clothing, bedding and other linens used by a person or animal who’s infected.

Mpox symptoms

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3–17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.

1. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
2. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of Mpox can include

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Swollen lymph nodes
4. Exhaustion
5. Muscle aches and backache
6. Headache
7. Respiratory symptoms 

You may experience all or only a few symptoms.

Typically, Mpox symptoms start within 21 days of exposure to the virus. If you have flu-like symptoms, you will likely develop a rash 1–4 days later. If you have symptoms, such as a rash, visit a healthcare provider.

A person with Mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

New data show that some people can spread Mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms appear. It’s not clear how many people this has affected during the ongoing global outbreak that began in 2022. There is currently no evidence showing that people who never have symptoms have spread the virus to someone else. CDC will continue to monitor the latest information about how Mpox spreads.

How do I take care of myself

If you have mpox symptoms, there are over-the-counter  medications that can help you feel better, including:

Pain relievers and fever reducers. Medicines like ibuprofen  and acetaminophen can help relieve your symptoms.

Oatmeal baths. Soaking in a warm bath with colloidal oatmeal can relieve the dry, itchy feeling that comes with skin rashes.

Isolate yourself if you’re infected. Avoid contact with others until all of your lesions have scabbed.

Cover single or local ulcers or sores. Use gauze or bandages to limit the spread to others and the environment.

Take good care. It’s important to stay home and rest when you’re sick, wear a mask around others and drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid contact with pets..