Mpox

What is Mpox (formerly called Monkeypox)?

Mpox is typically a rare disease caused by the mpox virus. During 2022, cases of Mpox have been reported in areas where Mpox is not usually found. This includes various countries around the world, throughout the U.S., and here in Ohio. The type of Mpox seen in this outbreak is rarely fatal, and most people recover from their illness within 2-4 weeks without needing any specific treatment. However, some people with Mpox infection may be at higher risk for severe illness, including people who have weakened immune systems.

The risk of Mpox in the U.S. and Ohio is believed to be low. Mpox does not spread easily between people, but anyone in close contact with a person with Mpox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves

Symptoms

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.

Transmission

Mpox spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids, including during sex, as well as activities like kissing, hugging, massaging, and cuddling. Mpox can spread through touching materials used by a person with Mpox that haven’t been cleaned, such as clothing and bedding. It can also spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, close, face-to-face contact.

Mpox can be spread through:
- Direct skin-skin contact with rash lesions
- Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing
- Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone
- Sharing towels or unwashed clothing
- Respiratory secretions through prolonged face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has Mpox)
Mpox is NOT spread through:
- Casual brief conversations
- Walking by someone with Mpox, like in a grocery store

Prevention

There are 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 and 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.
Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (like a mask, gown, and gloves) when caring for others with symptoms
Avoiding contact with infected materials contaminated with the virus
Avoiding contact with infected animals

Diagnoses

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 healthcare provider of your current symptoms for possible mpox.
If you do not have a healthcare provider or healthcare insurance, visit a public health clinic or local county clinic.

Avoid crowds, close contact, including sexual or intimate contact until seeing your healthcare provider.