(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.)
Mpox (or monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection which can spread between people and occasionally from the environment to people via things and surfaces that have been touched by a person with mpox.
Common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for 2–4 weeks. This may start with, or be followed by, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes) and the rash looks like blisters or sores.
Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected with the monkeypox virus.
MPox risk extends beyond sexually active individuals, including gay, bisexual, and men with multiple sex partners, as close contact with those with symptoms is also at risk.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has mpox, especially sexual contact. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
If you have mpox, your healthcare provider will advise you on what to do while you recover. Follow national advice on whether you should recover at home or if you need care in a health facility.
People with mpox should follow the advice of their health care provider. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks and usually go away on their own or with supportive care, such as medication for pain or fever.
There is no specific treatment for mpox, but supportive care and symptomatic treatment can help manage the illness.
Yes. There are three vaccines against mpox.
Contracting mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the fetus or newborn infant and can lead to loss of the pregnancy, stillbirth or complications for the parent.