Mpox

Testing and Vaccinations

Vaccinations
The ACAM2000 or JYNNEOS vaccines can prevent illness or lead to less severe symptoms if given within two weeks after someone is exposed to Mpox. WNCCHS offers free Mpox vaccines to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of immigration status. To view a complete list of locations that offer Mpox vaccines, click here.

Testing
Testing is widely available and encouraged if you had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Mpox or have symptoms of Mpox. People with symptoms of Mpox should go to their health care provider or a or local health department to get tested.

What Patients Need to Know About Mpox

Mpox is a rash illness, caused by the Mpox virus, which can be spread from person-to- person or animal-to-person, or from contact with contaminated materials.

  • Make sure people with the infection stay away from others until their skin is fully healed.

  • Wear protective gear when helping someone who is sick.

  • Wash your hands well after touching infected people or animals. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice. If you don't have soap and water, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol until your hands feel dry.

  • Avoid sex or skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash or other mpox symptoms.

  • Talk to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illnesses and look out for new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or theirs, including around the genitals and anus.

  • Stay away from things that might be contaminated with the virus.

  • If you think you have been exposed to Mpox, see your health care provider. Sometimes, doctors and health officials may recommend getting vaccinated to prevent or lessen the illness.

  • Symptoms: The disease usually starts with symptoms like fever, tiredness, headache, and sometimes a sore throat and cough. You might also notice swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin. Shortly after these early symptoms, a rash will appear. In some cases, the rash is the first sign of the disease. The rash goes through four stages: first, flat spots; then, raised spots; followed by fluid-filled blisters; and finally, pus-filled sores. These sores may have a dimple in the center before they scab over and heal. This process takes about 2-3 weeks. The rash can appear all over your body, including on your palms, feet, and head, or just in specific areas like the genitals or buttocks. The rash can be painful and itchy as it heals.

  • Transmission: The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, lesion material, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days.

  • Prevention:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Mpox is a viral illness that causes a rash and flu-like symptoms. It can be spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated materials.

  • Vaccination is recommended for people with multiple or anonymous sex partners, those exposed to Mpox in the last 14 days, and anyone who considers themselves at risk. Vaccines are available for free.

  • Mpox spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, lesion material, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects.

  • Contact your health care provider for testing and isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others. Mpox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, though severe cases can occur. Some infections may require hospitalization or other medical care for treatment. People who have immunocompromised states and children are at risk for more severe Mpox illnesses.

  • Mpox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks, though severe cases can occur. Some infections may require hospitalization or other medical care for treatment. People who have immunocompromised states and children are at risk for more severe Mpox illnesses.

  • Yes, isolation, usually at home, is required until the skin lesions have completely healed. Please click here for current infection control and isolation recommendations.

  • This is an evolving situation, and new information may result in rapid changes to public health communications and recommendations. Current information on Mpox can be obtained here.