Mpox
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
Although cases of mpox are not life-threatening, some people may be more likely to get severely ill, including
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Children younger than 1
- People with a history of eczema
- People who are pregnant
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Andrea Alvare
Director/Health OfficerPhone: (732) 827-2085
Monkeypox symptoms
People with monkeypox 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.
How long do mpox symptoms last?
Typically, mpox symptoms start within 21 days of exposure to the virus. If you have flu-like symptoms, you will likely develop a rash 1–4 days later. If you have symptoms, such as a rash, visit a healthcare provider.
A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
New data show that some people can spread mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms appear. It’s not clear how many people this has affected during the ongoing global outbreak that began in 2022. There is currently no evidence showing that people who never have symptoms have spread the virus to someone else. CDC will continue to monitor the latest information about how mpox spreads.
There are several ways you can protect yourself and others from mpox, including:
- Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox and animals that carry the mpox virus.
- Learning steps you can take to lower your risk of mpox during sex or at a social gathering.
- Getting vaccinated. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if the mpox vaccine is recommended for you.