Mpox Main Information

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Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. People with mpox develop a rash that can be painful and last for weeks. Mpox can spread to anyone through close contact.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Mpox causes a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and may be very painful or itchy. The rash can be on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the genitals, anus, hands, feet, or chest. Images of mpox are available from the CDC.

Other symptoms can include fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough). Some people have also reported pain or discomfort inside their rectum. People may experience all or only a few symptoms. The illness typically lasts two–four weeks.

People who are immunocompromised, including people living with HIV who are not on treatment, are at increased risk of severe mpox, or even death, if they become infected. Get more information about mpox and HIV.

HOW IT SPREADS

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact. Contact includes:

• Sex, cuddling, kissing, hugging or massaging
• Prolonged contact with respiratory secretions
• Sharing bedding or clothing with someone with mpox
• Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus

If you have sex or close physical contact with many people, you may have a higher chance of getting mpox.

A person with mpox can spread it to others until the rash has fully healed and new skin has formed. In some instances, people can also spread mpox from one to four days before their symptoms appear.

STAYING SAFE

If you think you might be at risk of mpox, you can take steps to protect yourself such as:

• Talk to a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. Get more information about the mpox vaccine and where it is available in Connecticut.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox and cover exposed skin in crowds.
• Don’t share bedding or clothing.
• Practice safer sex like limiting the number of partners or having virtual sex.
• Talk to anyone you’ve had sex or close contact with about their health.
• Wash your hands often.

How can a person lower their risk during sex?

What to do if you are exposed to mpox?

Talk to your healthcare provider about the mpox vaccine and monitor your health for symptoms. Getting an mpox vaccine within 14 days may prevent an infection (the sooner the better!).

What to do if you have mpox symptoms?

If you think you might have mpox, see your healthcare provider. Testing is available for people who have a rash that looks like a mpox rash. Mpox testing basics.

If you have mpox symptoms:

• Stay home and away from other people.
• Avoid skin-to-skin or close contact with others, including sex.
• If you need to go out, cover the area of the rash or spots and wear a well-fitting mask.
• Get in touch with people you’ve had sex or close contact with. Close contacts should monitor for symptoms and should consider getting vaccinated. Your local health department can also help notify your close contacts for you.

TREATMENT

Most people get well from mpox without needing specific medicines or treatment. People who have severe mpox or are at risk of severe mpox, including people living with untreated HIV, may need treatment.

Tecovirimat, or TPOXX, is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat smallpox. Smallpox and mpox are similar, so TPOXX may be used to treat mpox. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you might need TPOXX.

MORE INFORMATION

More information about mpox is available from CDC.