Mpox

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare viral infection caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox is primarily found in certain parts of Central and West Africa but has recently caused outbreaks in other parts of the world, including the United States.

Transmission

Mpox spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus, including during sexual or intimate contact, and through contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.

Symptoms

•Fever
•Headache
•Muscle aches
•Swollen lymph nodes
•Chills
•Exhaustion

Diagnosis

Mpox is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and laboratory testing of skin lesion samples (PCR or viral testing). If you experience symptoms or have been exposed to someone with mpox, contact your healthcare provider for testing.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for mpox for most people; supportive care (managing fever, pain, hydration and secondary infections) results in full recovery for many. Antiviral medications such as tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be used in severe cases or for people at high risk of complications; treatment decisions should be made by a healthcare provider.

Prevention

Preventing mpox includes avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms, practicing good hand hygiene, not sharing bedding or clothing with someone who is infected, and isolating infected individuals until lesions have healed. Vaccines originally developed for smallpox (for example, JYNNEOS) are authorized for mpox prevention, especially for people at higher risk of exposure.

Sources

Written by Love Hurts, Inc.
Medically Reviewed by Kecia Gaither, MD. on November 1, 2025
CDC: "Mpox (Monkeypox) – CDC Fact Sheet"
WHO: "Mpox – World Health Organization"
Mayo Clinic: "Mpox (Monkeypox)"
WebMD: "Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus"

Ready to love smarter?

100% anonymous • Always free