What are the symptoms?
Initial symptoms of Mpox often include fever, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms are followed in one to three days by a rash, often on the face, spreading to the limbs. The rash starts with flat patches that then form large, firm bumps, which then fill with fluid or pus. These then scab and fall off, usually over two to four weeks. Symptoms usually start within seven to 14 days after exposure, with a range of five to 21 days.
When can a person ill with Mpox spread it to others?Ill people can potentially transmit the infection from when symptoms start until the rash has resolved. However, this is not an easy infection to catch. Mpox typically requires prolonged, close contact. People at increased risk include sexual partners of an ill person, or family members and healthcare workers caring for someone ill with Mpox.
Are there vaccines for Mpox?There is a vaccine specifically for Mpox and smallpox called Jynneos. It could be used to protect people with high-risk exposure to someone ill with Mpox. There is another vaccine,
ACAM2000, that is approved to prevent smallpox. It could be used under special arrangements with CDC, but it is more likely to cause adverse effects.
Vaccines would be used to protect people who have known exposure to someone ill with Mpox infection. It works to prevent or decrease disease even after someone was exposed. Members of the public who haven't been exposed don't need this vaccine.
For more information visit the Oregon Health Authority's Mpox website.
Additional Resources
The following resources will help you stay up to date.
CDC:
AAMC and Member Institutions:
Other:
Information for Patients:
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, an AAMC member institution, has published What You Need To Know About Mpox, which may be shared with patients.
Updated November 2024