What are the signs, symptoms and complications of mpox?
Mpox symptoms can sometimes be confused for chickenpox or a sexually transmitted disease, like syphilis or herpes. Anyone who shows symptoms of mpox can pass the virus to others. However, if someone has been infected with mpox but does not have symptoms, they are not likely to spread the virus to others.
Symptoms include:
- Rash
- Fever or chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches and back pain
- Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms may appear first for some people, but for others, a rash will be the first sign of infection. The rash starts as a flat sore and develops into a blister that can become painful and itchy. As the blisters heal, the lesions will dry up and fall off. The rash can pop up anywhere on the body and the area may vary person to person.
Mpox symptoms usually start within two weeks of exposure to the virus but can start up to three weeks later. Within one to three days of symptoms beginning, people usually develop a rash or sores. Symptoms can last two to four weeks, or even longer if a person has a weakened immune system.
Most people recover fully, but some people who contract mpox become very sick and experience complications.
Some complications of mpox include:
- Bacterial infections that cause abscesses or skin damage
- Pneumonia
- Corneal infection and loss of vision
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting and diarrhea that causes severe dehydration
- Sepsis (infection of the blood)
- Inflammation in the brain, heart, rectum, genital organs or urinary passages
What do I do if I have symptoms?
If you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms, it’s best to take precautions until you are checked out by a healthcare provider. Follow these guidelines until you are cleared:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Avoid sex or other close, intimate contact.
- Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, personal contact.
Who should get the mpox vaccine?
The overall risk of mpox for the public is low. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following higher-risk people be vaccinated against mpox:
- People with known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox
- Health workers at risk of exposure
- Men who have sex with men, transgender or nonbinary individuals
- People with multiple sex partners
- Sex workers
Is the mpox vaccine safe?
The FDA-approved mpox vaccine, JYNNEOS is safe and effective and helps stop the spread of mpox. The vaccine is given in two doses and both doses should be received for maximum protection. The second dose is given four weeks after the first. Full protection from the virus starts two weeks after the second dose.