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Understanding mpox and how to protect yourself

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and rash. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are understandably concerned about potential viral health risks. It’s important to note that mpox is a rare disease with low transmission rates in the U.S. 

The monkeypox virus causes mpox. The virus can spread through direct contact from person to person (including intimate and sexual contact), close contact with infected animals, and direct contact with contaminated materials. The illness can be mild to severe and can even result in death.

There are two types of mpox currently active: 

  • Clade I is the more severe Monkeypox virus active in Central Africa. 
  • Clade II is a less severe form of the virus and is active in West Africa. 

A new variant of clade I called clade Ib appears to spread more easily and tends to result in more severe illness. This variant of mpox has spread beyond Central and West Africa, with the first known case outside of Africa reported out of Sweden in August 2024. The recent increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has prompted the World Health Organization to issue a global health emergency.

The U.S. was affected by the global clade IIb mpox 2022-2023 outbreak, and while the transmission is now low, clade IIb cases still occur in the U.S. Currently, there are no known cases of the new clade Ib in the U.S. as of September 2024.

What are the symptoms?

Mpox can cause any combination of the following symptoms: 

  • Fever
  • Headache and body aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Exhaustion
  • Body chills
  • Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough
  • Rash and blister-like lesions on the skin, including the mouth, genital and anal areas

Who is at risk?

Most cases of mpox are not life-threatening, but recent outbreaks across the globe, including the U.S., have led to some deaths. Some people may have a higher risk of becoming infected and getting very ill, such as:

  • People who are pregnant
  • Those with severely weakened immune systems
  • Children under one year of age
  • Those with a history of eczema
  • Men who have same-sex partners

Like any other contagious disease, you can help prevent infection by taking the following precautions: 

  • Avoid contact with infected people, especially skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a pox-like rash
  • Avoid contact with any objects that a person with mpox has used, including sharing utensils, cups and plates.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the mpox vaccine JYNNEOS to protect against mpox infection. You may want to discuss the vaccine with your healthcare provider if you fall within the high-risk category or are exposed to the virus.

Getting tested

There are tests that can tell you if you have been exposed to or have mpox, including the FDA-cleared PCR test developed by Labcorp. Mpox testing is typically done through your healthcare provider, who collects and sends the sample to a lab. Test results are available within a few days. If exposed to mpox, contact your healthcare provider about testing options.

To learn more about mpox, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Sources

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