Mpox (also known as monkeypox) is a rare disease that has been spreading around the world in countries that don’t normally see mpox, including the United States. Mpox is caused by infection with the mpox virus, which is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Although mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, they are milder and the disease is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox, though the rash may look like chickenpox.
Symptoms
Prevention and Treatment
Vaccinations
Additional Resources
Mpox Symptoms
Symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Headache, muscle aches, and/or backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Sore throat, nasal congestion, and/or cough
- A painful, blistery, crusting rash that may be located almost anywhere on the body
A person with mpox may experience all or only a few symptoms. Sometimes the rash appears first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash and no other symptoms.
If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms, avoid close or intimate contact with anyone until you have been checked out by a health care professional.
Prevention and Treatment
Mpox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash one to four days later.
A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks.
To prevent getting monkeypox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle, or have sex with someone with mpox.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used, including cups, dishes, silverware, bedding, towels, or clothing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
There are no treatments specifically for mpox virus infections. However, mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox virus infections.
Precautions to Take at Home
Pets in the Home
Infected animals can spread mpox virus to people, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread mpox virus to household pets through close contact, including petting, cuddling, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.
Disinfecting the Home
People with mpox who do not require hospitalization may be isolated at home. During the infectious period, body fluids, respiratory secretions, and lesion material from people with monkeypox can live on linens, clothing, and other surfaces that they touch.
Vaccination and Eligibility
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have been exposed to mpox and people who may be more likely to get mpox. Vaccination can prevent mpox in people who are vaccinated within four days of exposure, and can lessen the severity of the disease in those vaccinated within 14 days of exposure.
In New Jersey, the number of available vaccine doses are limited. Currently, state residents eligible for the Jynneos vaccine include:
- People who have known contact with someone who tested positive for orthopoxvirus or mpox virus within the past 14 days.
- People who attended an event where known mpox exposure occurred within the past 14 days.
- People who had multiple sexual partners or anonymous sexual encounters in the past 14 days in an area with known mpox.
Make an Appointment With an Mpox Expert at Cooper.
To learn more about the services available for treating mpox at Cooper or to request an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) or use our online appointment request form.