Mpox
Overview
Mpox (pronounced "em-pox" and formerly known as monkeypox) is an infectious disease that spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. It's caused by a zoonotic virus (one that was initially transmitted to humans through infected animals).
Most commonly, mpox spreads through intimate touching, including when there is direct contact with a rash, scabs or body fluids. It can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, such as during kissing or sex.
Only patients with active symptoms, which typically last two to four weeks, can spread mpox. Many cases have occurred in men who have sex with men, but anyone who has close contact with a symptomatic person can catch the virus.
Mpox is rarely fatal, and most healthy people recover without treatment in a few weeks. If you are at high risk for mpox, getting vaccinated can help prevent infection and transmission, especially during an outbreak.
Signs & symptoms
Many people with mpox get a rash that looks like blisters or pimples on the genitals, anus, hands, feet, face (including the mouth) or elsewhere. Spots typically begin as flat sores, then turn into fluid-filled bumps that eventually burst and crust over before healing. The rash may be painful or itchy.
In some people, the rash appears before other symptoms; other people get a rash several days after other symptoms arise – or not at all. Until all sores have healed, people with mpox are contagious and can pass the virus to others.
Besides the rash, symptoms of mpox resemble those of the flu, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen glands
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
Diagnosis
Mpox is diagnosed through a lab test that can detect the virus. If you have a rash, your provider will swab the affected area to get a sample for the test. If you don't have a rash, your provider will collect a sample in a different way, such as by swabbing your throat.
Treatment
Most people with mpox recover without medication in two to four weeks. But some patients face a higher-than-average risk of getting very sick from mpox, including:
- People with compromised immune function
- People with certain skin conditions, such as eczema
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Children and infants, especially those younger than 1 year old
If you've tested positive for mpox and face a high risk of severe disease, your provider may prescribe tecovirimat (TPOXX), an antiviral medication. Tecovirimat makes it harder for the virus to replicate, slowing the disease's progression.
Several over-the-counter medications and home remedies can ease mpox symptoms. You may want to try the following:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce pain and flu-like symptoms.
- Topical benzocaine or lidocaine gel, calamine lotion or petroleum jelly can provide temporary relief from itching.
- Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can also lessen itching.
- For sores inside the mouth, rinsing with salt water can provide relief.
