What is MPOX (formerly known as Monkeypox)?
MPOX is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. MPOX virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. MPOX symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and MPOX is rarely fatal. MPOX is not related to chickenpox.
MPOX was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. However, African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) might harbor the virus and infect people.
The first human case of MPOX was recorded in 1970. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, MPOX had been reported in people in several central and western African countries. Previously, almost all MPOX cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. These cases occurred on multiple continents.
MPOX symptoms
People with MPOX get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
- 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
- Exhaustion
- 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.
How MPOX Spreads:
MPOX can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with MPOX rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with MPOX.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPOX.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.
This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:
- Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with MPOX.
- Hugging, massage, and kissing.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with MPOX and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.