What you need to know about mpox
Mpox continues to spread across the globe, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a global public health emergency this summer.
The WHO renamed the disease, formerly known as monekypox, as mpox. WHO made the change citing that the former name perpetuates inaccuracy about the disease's origin and transmission and "is also discriminatory and stigmatizing."
Health officials recommend knowing the signs of mpox and seeking medical attention right away if experiencing symptoms.
M Health Fairview Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician Beth Thielen, MD, PhD, explains mpox, the symptoms, who’s at risk, prevention measures, and treatment.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a rare viral disease that’s typically found in West and Central Africa and is characterized by fever, malaise, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and blisters. It started to spread from person to person in the U.S. in May, resulting in an outbreak.
The virus, which originated in animals, can be transmitted from person to person in different ways. These include:
- Direct contact with an infectious rash, scab, or bodily fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching items (such as clothing or bedding) that previously touched the infectious rash or bodily fluids
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
It’s also possible for people to get mpox from infected animals by being scratched or bitten, preparing and eating meat, or using other products from an infected animal. This is currently not the main reason for the outbreak in the U.S.
Mpox can spread to others from the time symptoms start until the rash and blisters have fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.
Mpox is in the same virus family as smallpox and has similar symptoms but is considered milder.
“Mpox causes a mild illness that resolves without specific treatment in most people, but there is a higher risk of severe disease or complications in people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or very young,” said Thielen.
This isn’t the first time that mpox has been found in the U.S. In 2003, there were nearly 50 cases in the country. Investigators traced the cause of the outbreak to a shipment of animals from Ghana.
What are the symptoms of mpox, and who’s at risk?
The main symptoms of mpox are an unexplained acute rash, along with a headache, fever, chills, muscle and body aches, or swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms can start three to 21 days after being exposed to someone with mpox.
“The rash typically starts as flat red spots on the skin,” said Thielen. “Over a few days to a week, the rash progresses to raised bumps and then blisters filled with clear fluid and then pus. They are typically painful and occur all over the body but most commonly on the face, arms, and legs.”
Anal and genital blisters are also common with this current outbreak.
People at a higher risk for contracting the virus are those who’ve had contact with someone with mpox or traveled to a country with confirmed cases of the virus. People who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if mpox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.
How do I get treated if I have mpox?
If you have symptoms, a healthcare provider will look at your blisters and ask about your symptoms, recent travel, and potential contact with people who also had blisters. They may swab your blisters and send a sample in for mpox virus testing. Results are typically available in one to two business days. Mpox can also look like other sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, so you may need additional testing for these infections. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate this.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no treatment approved for the virus yet. Antivirals are available for smallpox that may be beneficial for patients with mpox. However, health officials say most people recover without any intervention.
Thielen asserts that isolation for those who contract mpox is effective for helping control outbreaks like this. The CDC recommends isolation until all rash and blisters have fully healed, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
Can I get vaccinated for mpox?
Yes. There is an FDA-approved vaccine called Jynneos that is available to prevent mpox infection in people over 18. The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to someone that had mpox in the last 14 days. The best time to receive the vaccine is within four days of exposure in order to prevent the disease. Even if it does not prevent you from getting the disease, it can still prevent you from becoming seriously ill.
You need two doses of the vaccine before you are fully vaccinated and are considered immune two weeks after receiving the second dose of the vaccine.
M Health Fairview has limited amounts of the mpox vaccine. To receive it, you must meet the following criteria:
- You have had recent exposure to someone with mpox.
- You engage in sex work, or exchange sex for food, money, substances, or shelter.
- You identify as gay or bisexual, or you are a man who has sex with men and you have had more than one partner in the past 90 days.
- Your doctor considers you at high risk for mpox.
Visit the CDC website for more information on Jynneos.
How do I schedule a vaccine appointment?
If you believe that you have been exposed to mpox or may be at risk of getting mpox and want to be vaccinated, please call 1-855-FAIRVIEW. If you have additional questions about mpox or vaccination, please reach out to your primary care team.
What’s the bottom line?
Thielen stresses that the risk of mpox to the general population remains low.
“It is important to be vigilant for signs and to contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms," said Thielen. "You can help keep yourself and the community healthy by taking precautions that reduce the spread of many infections, not just mpox: stay home if you are sick, wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently, and avoid contact with wild animals, particularly sick or dead animals.”
