Do I have Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkey pox) is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads through contact with an infected person that involves touching their rash or sores. This includes skin-to-skin contact during sex. You can also get mpox by coming into contact with infected animals and exposure to respiratory secretions (mucus and saliva) from an infected individual. It can be spread by touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.

Do I have mpox?

Symptoms of mpox begin within 3 weeks of exposure. Initially you may feel like you have the flu, with symptoms like a fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. Within a few days of the start of fever, a rash begins.

Not everyone develops all of the symptoms, and the rash may appear as only a few lesions. If you think you may have been exposed to mpox or have mpox symptoms, talk to your doctor or pharmacist and isolate yourself from others.

What does the mpox rash look like?

A mpox rash can appear as spots, pimples, blisters, lesions, or crater-like ulcers. It can start in one area of your body (including the genitals or in your mouth) and spread to other parts of your body.

Does the mpox rash itch?

No, not at first. The rash goes through several phases. First, it develops into fluid-filled pustules that may be painful. Once the lesions start to heal and scab over, the rash may become itchy.

Summary

The disease typically runs its course in 2 to 4 weeks. Most people with mpox tend to feel better on their own. The infected person will remain contagious until the rash has completely healed and new skin has formed after the scabs have fallen off. There are no specific treatments for mpox at this time, but your doctor may prescribe you medications to treat your symptoms or keep you from getting sicker.