Monkeypox or mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread among people, causes a flu-like illness and rash, and usually resolves in weeks. It is rarely fatal, and proper precautions can prevent its spread.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UPMC refers to "monkeypox" as "mpox."
UPMC offers complete care for people with mpox, including antiviral treatments, medications, and supportive care.
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What Is Mpox?
Mpox is an illness caused by the mpox virus. It can spread among people, causes a flu-like illness and rash, and usually resolves in weeks. It is rarely fatal, and proper precautions can prevent its spread.
What are the types of mpox?
There are two main types of mpox, including:
- Clade I (Central African) — Causes more severe disease and has a higher mortality rate of up to 1.7%.
- Clade II (West African) — Causes less severe disease and has a low mortality rate of 0.1%. Clade II mpox caused the global outbreak that occurred in 2022 to 2023.
How common is mpox?
Mpox is rare worldwide, but it is more common in parts of Africa.
What causes mpox?
Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus.
Is mpox contagious?
Symptoms of mpox often appear about one to two weeks after exposure to the virus, but they can appear anywhere from five to 21 days after exposure. Patients are infectious from the time their initial symptoms appear until all skin lesions crust over and fall off, and a fresh layer of intact skin forms. The rash may last two to four weeks.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox spreads through direct contact with the body fluids, rash, or sores of someone who has mpox.
Because the virus spreads through contact, areas of skin that come into contact with an infected person may be the first or only areas of the rash. Most cases are spread through close contact, including intimate or sexual contact with a person who has mpox.
Mpox may spread through direct contact with materials that have come into contact with infected body fluids or sores. This includes clothing, towels, or bedding.
Mpox may also spread through respiratory droplets or large mucous droplets from someone with mpox. It does not spread easily through the air and requires close contact with an infected person.
Mpox risk factors
Most people are at low risk for contracting mpox.
However, you may be at higher risk of developing mpox if:
- You have had close or sexual contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or exposed to mpox.
- You travel to an area that is experiencing an mpox outbreak.
- You have close or sexual contact with someone from an area experiencing a mpox outbreak.
Complications of mpox
Complications of mpox may include:
- Flu-like symptoms.
- Proctitis, which is inflammation of the lining of the rectum.
- Rash with sores.
How can I reduce my risk of mpox infection?
You may be able to reduce your risk of mpox infection by:
- Avoiding close contact with someone diagnosed with mpox or who has mpox symptoms — Close physical contact during sex can allow the virus to pass from person to person. Everyone who comes in close contact with a contagious person is at risk, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Be alert for people with a rash and a history of travel to areas with mpox cases.
- Avoiding contact with sick animals that have been in contact with an infected person — Mpox can infect certain animals, particularly mammals. But there are no documented cases of mpox transmission from humans to animals. People who have mpox should minimize contact with their pets until they are well.
- Talking to your friends and family about any recent illness — Be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or on their bodies, including the genitals and anus. If you or your friends and family members have recently been sick, currently feel sick, or have a new or unexplained rash or sores, avoid close physical contact, and see a health care provider.
Mpox vaccination
The mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) is available for individuals at high risk of mpox exposure in the community and to those with known or suspected exposure. Learn more about mpox vaccination from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CDC recommends that you receive the vaccine within four days of exposure to prevent the onset of the disease. If given four to 14 days after exposure, vaccination may reduce the symptoms of disease but may not prevent the disease.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Mpox?
Symptoms of mpox usually start within one to two weeks of exposure to someone with the virus and may include:
Skin rash
A rash appears in almost everyone who contracts mpox. The skin rash may look like a pimple or bumps filled with clear fluid or pus.
The rash may appear within one to three days after the appearance of flu-like symptoms.
The rash can look different as the illness progresses. It may start with raised, clear fluid- or pus-filled bumps. They form crusty scabs that fall off over two to four weeks. The rash can be painful or itchy and may involve the eyes, mouth, genitals, or anus.
In some people, the rash spreads to many parts of the body, while in others it affects only one area.
Flu-like symptoms
Before the rash appears, some people experience flu-like symptoms such as:
- Chills.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
When should I see a doctor about my mpox symptoms?
You should contact your doctor if you:
- Had exposure to someone with mpox.
- Have a rash along with flu-like symptoms, especially if you traveled to a country with confirmed mpox cases.
- Had skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact or sex with an unfamiliar partner.
How Do You Diagnose Mpox?
Your doctor may be able to diagnose mpox based on a physical examination alone. However, testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
What to expect during your visit
During your visit, your doctor will:
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order tests, if needed.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose mpox
Your doctor may be able to diagnose mpox during a physical exam. However, testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Testing requires a skin rash swab, which can be performed in most clinical settings.
Mpox prognosis
Mpox usually resolves in a few weeks without treatment. It is rarely fatal.
How Do You Treat Mpox?
Most people recover from mpox without treatment. However, antiviral treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and serious complications.
Antiviral treatment
Doctors may recommend tecovirimat, also known as Tpoxx®. The drug is not available in pharmacies but can be obtained through health centers participating in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded access program.
Treatment is also available through a federally funded trial. Contact your doctor or local health department to discuss treatment and enrolling in the CDC STOMP trial. Patient enrollment in the STOMP trial is optional.
Over-the-counter medication
Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can help with symptoms, including pain and fever.
Why Choose UPMC for Mpox Care?
When you choose UPMC for mpox care, you will receive:
- Convenient access to care — UPMC experts offer in-person, telehealth, after-hours, and urgent care options for people with mpox and other infectious diseases.
- Personalized recommendations — Our providers will recommend the best mpox prevention and treatment strategies based on your age, overall health, and care needs.
- Multidisciplinary care — Our providers work together to ensure that you get fast, effective mpox care.
