Mpox
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare viral infection caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox is primarily found in certain parts of Central and West Africa but has recently caused outbreaks in other parts of the world, including the United States.
Mpox spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus, including during sexual or intimate contact, and through contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.
Symptoms of mpox usually begin within 5 to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- •Fever
- •Headache
- •Muscle aches
- •Swollen lymph nodes
- •Chills
- •Exhaustion
Within 1 to 3 days after the fever starts, a rash develops, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash progresses through several stages, including flat red spots, raised bumps, pus-filled blisters, and finally scabs that fall off.
Recent outbreaks in 2022–2025 showed that mpox can be transmitted through intimate contact, including sexual contact, and lesions may appear primarily in the genital and anal areas.
Diagnosis
Mpox is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and laboratory testing of skin lesion samples (PCR or viral testing). If you experience symptoms or have been exposed to someone with mpox, contact your healthcare provider for testing.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for mpox, but most people recover fully with supportive care, which includes managing symptoms like fever and pain. Antiviral medications such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be used in severe cases or for people at high risk of complications.
Prevention
Preventing mpox includes avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms, practicing good hand hygiene, and not sharing bedding or clothing with someone who is infected.
Vaccines originally developed for smallpox (for example, JYNNEOS) are authorized for mpox prevention, especially for people at higher risk of exposure.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc.
- Medically Reviewed by Kecia Gaither, MD. on November 1, 2025
- CDC: "Mpox (Monkeypox) – CDC Fact Sheet"
- WHO: "Mpox – World Health Organization"
- Mayo Clinic: "Mpox (Monkeypox)"
- WebMD: "Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus"
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