How is mpox spread?

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Direct contact with mpox rash or scabs from a person with mpox, as well as contact with their saliva, upper respiratory secretions (snot, mucus), and genital and anal areas.
• The risk is considered low for getting mpox by touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox and not disinfected.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals or anal area. It can take 3-17 days to develop symptoms after an exposure.

• The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

Other symptoms of mpox can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches and backache
• Headache
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

You may experience all or only a few symptoms

• Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
• Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
• Others only experience a rash.

A person with mpox typically can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts for 2 - 4 weeks.

What to do if you have a new, unexplained rash or other mpox symptoms?

See your healthcare provider right away for an evaluation.

Mpox testing and vaccination is also available at the Wayne County Public Health Clinic. Information below.

Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked out.