Mpox
What is mpox?
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus, which is related to the viruses that cause smallpox and cowpox, but not to chickenpox. Despite the name, “monkeypox,” the exact source of the virus remains unknown.
The first human case was recorded in 1970, and since then, mpox has been reported sporadically in some countries. While generally milder than smallpox and rarely fatal, mpox typically causes a similar rash with milder symptoms.
On this page, you can explore how mpox spreads, who is at risk, what the symptoms are, how to prevent mpox, and information on mpox outbreaks.
The first human case was recorded in 1970, and since then, mpox has been reported sporadically in some countries.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox can spread through direct contact with infected animals, close contact with an infected person (including intimate contact), and exposure to materials contaminated with the virus.
Anyone can contract mpox, although the illness is generally not life-threatening. However, certain groups may be at higher risk for severe illness, including:
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Children under 1 year old
- Individuals with a history of eczema
- Pregnant people
What are the symptoms of this disease?
The symptoms of mpox infection include:
- People often get a rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside of mouth, and on other parts of the body like hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
The illness typically lasts 2–4 weeks. Sometimes, people get a rash first followed by other symptoms. Others only experience the rash.
How can I prevent this disease?
There are available vaccines to prevent mpox. In consultation with their healthcare provider, people at higher risk for infection may consider vaccination. The mpox vaccines can also prevent infection if given immediately after exposure to an infected person.
Who is at higher risk for being infected by this virus?
- Those identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with confirmed mpox
- Those who had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like mpox or someone who has been diagnosed with mpox
- Thoe who had multiple sexual partners in the past 2 weeks in an area with known mpox
- Those who have jobs that may expose them to orthopox viruses, such as laboratory workers who handle orthopoxvirus samples and some designated healthcare or public health workers
How common are mpox outbreaks?
The most recent large outbreak occurred in the summer of 2022, in which mpox spread across several countries that do not normally report mpox, including the United States. This outbreak mainly impacted people who reported having close, sustained physical contact with other people who have mpox. Due to a tremendous public health response in 2022 – 2023, low-level transmission of mpox is occurring in the U.S.
While many of those affected in this outbreak were men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has mpox can get the illness.
To learn more about the current situation of mpox, visit CDC’s Mpox in the United States and Around the World: Current Situation web page.
CDC Recommended Vaccination Schedules
To ensure that your entire family is up to date on their vaccines, check out the following CDC recommended immunization schedules and talk to your healthcare provider.
