Background

Mpox (formerly called Monkeypox) was first discovered in 1958 in a group of research monkeys. The first human case was reported in 1970 in Africa. The smallpox vaccine could prevent mpox infection. But the vaccine has not been given to humans since the 1970's, so much of the population is unprotected.

Symptoms evolve over time.

• After exposure, there is a period of 1-2 weeks where you might get the early symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. Then lymph node swelling begins. This could be anywhere on the body, but often in the armpit or neck.
• After this earlier phase, the rash appears. There may be just one blister or clusters of blisters. They can occur on any part of the body. In gay or bisexual men, the blisters (lesions) are mostly being found in the anus or on the genitals.
• These skin lesions go through stages:
  • start as red and flat
  • then raising up and blister(s) form
  • then the blister fluid looks white/yellow inside
  • then scabbing and healing.

How it is Spread

• Mpox virus can spread from:
  • person-to-person contact, such as direct contact with the blisters or scabs
  • contact with infected body fluids that might be on bedding, towels or clothing
  • respiratory droplets (from breathing) during close contact like kissing, cuddling or sex
  • a scratch or bite from an animal with the mpox virus (rare)
  • eating the meat of an infected animal (very rare)
• Pregnant women can spread the virus to their unborn baby.
• Experts are not certain whether the virus is spread in semen or vaginal fluids.

Other Mpox Facts

• Incubation Period. Symptoms start between 6-13 days after an exposure.
• Prevention/Vaccine. There are two FDA approved vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) being used to help prevent mpox. The vaccines can help decrease the severity of the symptoms. This may be very helpful for high-risk people. 
• Treatment. There are no effective treatments for mpox at this time. Antivirals are being used for those at greatest risk of severe disease, such as those with weak immune systems.

When to Call for Mpox (formerly Monkeypox)

Care Advice for Monkeypox

What You Should Know:

• Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a rare infection from a virus. It is similar to smallpox, but much milder.
• Mpox is spreading worldwide. Spread is mainly through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
• Right now, 98% of the cases occur in men who are gay or bisexual. 41% are HIV positive.
• Anyone can get this infection, so it is likely to spread to other groups.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

How Is It Spread?

• Mpox virus can spread from:
• person to person contact, such as direct contact with the blisters or scabs
• contact with infected body fluids that might be on bedding, towels or clothing
• respiratory droplets (from breathing) during close contact like kissing, cuddling or sex
• a scratch or bite from an animal with the mpox virus (rare)
• eating the meat of an infected animal (very rare)
• Pregnant women can spread the virus to their unborn baby.
• Experts are not certain whether the virus is spread in semen or vaginal fluids.

How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear?

• Symptoms start between 6-13 days after an exposure.
• If you think you may have been exposed to mpox, get the vaccine right away (early in the incubation period). Check with your doctor and/or state or local health department to find a vaccine.

Testing:

• There is a test for mpox. It is a swab test of a blister or body fluids.
• You should not have skin-to-skin contact with anyone until you get your test results.

Treatment:

• There are no effective treatments for mpox at this time.
• Check with your doctor and/or state or local health department to find a vaccine.
• Antivirals are being used for those at greatest risk of severe disease, such as those with weak immune systems.
• For pain and/or fever symptoms, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

How Long Does It Last?

• Infection can last for up to 4 weeks.
• You can spread the virus to others during this period.

Prevention:

• There are two FDA-approved vaccines (JYNNEOS and ACAM2000) being used to help prevent mpox. The vaccines can help decrease the severity of the symptoms. This is helpful for high-risk people.
• It takes about two weeks after getting a vaccine to develop protective antibodies.
• Get a vaccine after a known exposure and before symptoms. It is best to get one of the vaccines within 4 days of exposure to have the best chance of reducing the symptoms. Check with your doctor and/or state or local health department to find a vaccine.

How Can I Protect Others from Getting It?

• If you have been exposed or have the disease:
• Avoid close contact with people for 4 weeks
• Avoid sharing bedding, towels, and clothing for up to 4 weeks
• Wash your hands often
• Stay in a separate room or area from others, if you can

Call Your Doctor If:

• You have very painful blisters
• You start feeling confused or 'out of it'
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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