MPox Information

WHAT IS MPOX?
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE IT?

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus. The virus is similar to the one that causes smallpox.
If you get mpox, you may have a fever, chills, sore muscles, a headache, or tiredness, and then get a rash. Sometimes the rash presents ﬁrst, or without the other symptoms.
Mpox can be transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact, through spit droplets during kissing or conversation, through sexual contact, or through contact with objects, fabrics, or surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
Individuals typically get better from mpox within 2-4 weeks, but it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect that you have it.

You may want to get vaccinated if you might have already been exposed to mpox:

If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has mpox.
If one of your sex partners in the past 2 weeks has been diagnosed with mpox.
If you are a man that has sex with other men or are transgender or non-binary and have had sex with multiple partners or at a commercial sex venue or at an event where monkeypox transmission is occurring.

You may want to get vaccinated if you might be exposed to mpox in the future:

If you are a man that has sex with other men, are transgender or non-binary, and in the past 6 months have had sex with multiple partners or have been diagnosed with an STI or HIV
If in the past 6 months you have had sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g. bath house) or sex at an event or venue where mpox transmission is occurring.
If these scenarios apply to your sex partners, or if you foresee any of these things happening in the future, you may want to consider vaccination as well.

To ﬁnd out where to get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider or contact your local health department.

Testing is only recommended if you have a rash consistent with mpox.
If you believe you have mpox, you should contact your local health department to ﬁnd out about testing options near you.
Testing involves a healthcare provider vigorously swabbing lesions of the rash, and then sending off to a lab for analysis.
If you test positive for mpox, take the necessary steps to protect others while you recover. This includes staying at home (isolating), staying away from other people and not sharing things you’ve touched, and staying away from pets because mpox can spread to animals.
If you have symptoms of mpox, such as a rash, contact a healthcare provider right away. If you don’t have insurance, your local health department is good place to contact ﬁrst.
If you test positive, follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
Avoid touching anyone.
Wash your hands often and try not to touch your eyes.
Stay in a place away from others until your rash has fully healed and new skin has formed.

Current data suggest that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men make up most cases in the current mpox outbreak. However, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has mpox is at risk. Here are steps you can take to prevent mpox:
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
Avoid contact with materials or objects that a person with mpoxhas used.
Wash your hands frequently.
Get vaccinated if appropriate.