How do I get Mpox (Monkeypox)?

Mpox (previously called Monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus. Until recently, Mpox cases primarily occurred in Africa, but it has recently been reported in a few countries, such as the United States.

How do I catch Mpox?

Anyone can get Mpox. There are several ways you can get the virus:

• Touching sores, scabs, or bodily fluids of an infected person
• Breathing in respiratory secretions when face-to-face with an infected person
• Touching materials like bed linens or clothing that has touched the sores of an infected person or animal
• Handling the carcass of an infected animal
• Being bitten by infected animal
• Using products or eating meat from an infected animal.

Most cases in the United States were in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. However, this doesn't mean these are the only groups at risk. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is at risk for Mpox.

What are the symptoms of Mpox?

Early signs of Mpox include flu-like symptoms that occur a few days to a few weeks after being exposed. Symptoms include:

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

After a few days of flu-like symptoms, a rash develops. Not everyone develops all of the symptoms, and the rash may appear as only a few lesions.

Related questions

• How do I keep from getting Mpox (monkeypox)?
• I have Monkeypox (Mpox): What should I do?
• What is TPOXX used to treat?

Is Mpox curable?

Most people with Mpox tend feel better on their own and the disease typically runs its course in two to four weeks. Treatments, such as TPOXX, and vaccination have controlled the spread of the virus. There are two vaccines that are effective against monkeypox. Click here for more information to see if you qualify to be vaccinated.

Summary

Mpox is a relatively rare disease typically found in Africa, but cases have been reported in the United States. As medication and vaccine experts, pharmacists have specialized training in educating patients and consumers about diseases and the best options to treat them or relieve symptoms.