Monkeypox, now called mpox, is a viral infection that usually causes a rash with fluid filled blisters, often along with fever and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus spreads mostly through close, prolonged skin to skin contact, including sex, and through contact with a person's rash, scabs, bedding, towels, or clothing. Symptoms usually start within 3 to 17 days of exposure, and the rash goes through stages: flat spots, raised bumps, blisters, then scabs that fall off after about 2 to 4 weeks. Sores can show up anywhere, including the genitals, anus, mouth, hands, and face, and a single sore is enough to be mpox. You are considered contagious until every scab has fallen off and fresh skin has formed underneath. A two dose vaccine is available for people at higher risk, and testing a swab from a sore is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
How mpox spreads
Common questions
what is monkeypox
Monkeypox is now called mpox. It is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a relative of the smallpox virus. It spreads through close skin to skin contact, including sex, and through contact with contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing. The main sign is a rash that starts as flat spots, becomes raised bumps and fluid filled blisters, then scabs over and heals in about 2 to 4 weeks. Sores can appear on the genitals, anus, mouth, hands, or face. Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches often come before or with the rash. Most people recover at home, though the rash can be painful. A two dose vaccine is available for people at higher risk.