Mpox Signs & Symptoms

Mpox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox might start with symptoms like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the person can develop a rash or sores. The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. They can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy. 

The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, and face. They may also be limited to one part of the body. 

People with mpox may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most with mpox will develop the rash or sores. Some people have reported developing a rash or sores before (or without) the flu-like symptoms. Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks. 

Mpox Transmission

Monkeypox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or contaminated clothing, bedding, or towels (i.e., via fomites). Mpox can spread during intimate contact between people, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, cuddling, or touching parts of the body with monkeypox sores.

Mpox Prevention

There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of mpox, including: 

• Always talking to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illness and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals or anus 
• Avoiding close contact, including sex, with people with symptoms like sores or rashes 
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• People who become infected should isolate until their symptoms are improving or have gone away completely.  Rash should always be well covered until completely healed.

Mpox Vaccine

Vaccination helps to protect against mpox when given before or shortly after an exposure. At this time, the federal government has allocated a limited number of JYNNEOS vaccine doses to Californians. CDPH is working with local health departments to make these doses available to protect against mpox. JYNNEOS is licensed for adults 18 years and older. It is administered as a two-dose injection series in the upper arm at least four weeks apart. Most people who receive the JYNNEOS vaccine have only minor reactions such as pain, redness, swelling and itching at the injection site. Less commonly, people also may experience muscle pain, headache, fatigue (tiredness), nausea, chills, and fever.

The  CDC advises  that  people who have been exposed to mpox be given the vaccine to prevent them from developing the disease. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis or PEP. PEP is most effective at preventing mpox if the vaccine is administered within 4 days of exposure. If given between 4–14 days after the date of exposure, vaccination may help reduce symptoms, but may not prevent the infection from developing.

Mpox Testing

If you have a new or an unexplained rash or other symptoms, seek medical care for further testing and evaluation.

• Wear a mask and tell your health-care provider of your current symptoms for possible monkeypox.  
• If you do not have a healthcare provider or healthcare insurance, visit Innercare clinic or local emergency department.

Avoid crowds and close contact, including sexual or intimate contact, until seeing your health-care provider.