Most people have heard of mpox since the 2022 outbreak, but plenty of questions remain. Is it an STD? How easily does it spread during sex? What does the rash look like, and when should you get tested? This guide explains how mpox passes between people, the symptoms to watch for, how testing works, and who may benefit from the vaccine. It is general information, not a diagnosis, so bring any concerns to a healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
- Mpox spreads mainly through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
- Symptoms often include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches.
- The rash can appear on the genitals, anus, mouth, or elsewhere on the body.
- A provider can test mpox by swabbing a lesion and sending it to a lab.
- Vaccination is available for people at higher risk, including after a recent exposure.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as smallpox. It was first identified in Central and West Africa, where it still occurs, and it drew global attention during a 2022 outbreak that spread person to person in many countries. There are two main groups of the virus, often called clade I and clade II. The 2022 outbreak was driven by clade II, which tends to cause milder illness. Mpox is not new, and it is not a disease that only affects one group of people. Anyone who has close physical contact with someone who has mpox can get it. Most people recover fully within two to four weeks, though the rash can be painful and some people become seriously ill.
How Mpox Spreads During Sex
Mpox spreads through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has symptoms. During sex, that includes contact with a rash, sores, or scabs on the genitals, anus, mouth, or anywhere else on the body. It can also spread through saliva and respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, such as kissing. Touching bedding, towels, or clothing used by someone with mpox can transmit the virus too. Condoms may lower risk, but they do not cover all the skin that can carry the rash, so they do not fully prevent mpox. The virus can spread from the time symptoms begin until the rash has fully healed. Some people have very mild symptoms that are easy to miss. You can read more about how STDs are transmitted.
Mpox Symptoms to Watch For
- A rash that may start as bumps and turn into blisters or scabs
- Fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes
- Headache, muscle aches, and unusual tiredness
- Sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion
- Painful lesions in the mouth, genitals, or anus
- Symptoms usually appear 3 to 17 days after exposure
Mpox Compared With Other Common Infections
| Feature | Mpox | Chlamydia and Gonorrhea |
|---|---|---|
| Main cause | Monkeypox virus | Bacteria |
| Typical first sign | Rash or bumps | Often no symptoms at all |
| Common sites | Genitals, anus, mouth, hands | Genitals, throat, rectum |
| Testing method | Swab of a lesion | Urine sample or swab |
| Vaccine available | Yes | No |
Testing and Treatment for Mpox
If you notice a new rash, sores, or other symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. Tell them about any recent close contact or sexual contact so they can decide what to test for. Mpox testing usually involves swabbing the skin, fluid, or crust from a lesion and sending the sample to a lab. Results generally take a few days. Most cases are managed with rest, fluids, and pain relief at home. A provider may prescribe antiviral medicine for people at higher risk of severe illness, such as those with weakened immune systems. Do not try to treat mpox with leftover antibiotics, which do not work against viruses. Medical decisions about testing and treatment should always be made with a qualified healthcare provider.
Vaccine and Prevention
A vaccine for mpox is available in the United States. It can be given before exposure to lower your risk, and it may also be offered soon after a known exposure to reduce the chance of illness. Public health agencies recommend vaccination for people at higher risk, which can include those with a recent known exposure and some people with ongoing risk factors. Your provider or local health department can tell you whether you qualify and where to get it. To lower your risk in general, avoid close skin contact with anyone who has a rash or open sores, do not share bedding or towels with someone who is infected, and wash your hands often. If you have mpox, staying home and covering lesions until they heal helps protect others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mpox a sexually transmitted disease?
Mpox can pass during sex, so it behaves like an STI in that setting, but it is not classified as a classic STI because it also spreads through other close contact, such as touching lesions or contaminated bedding.
How long after exposure do mpox symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 17 days after exposure, with most people developing them within about one to two weeks.
Can you get mpox if you use a condom?
Yes. Condoms lower the risk of many infections, but they do not cover all the skin that may have a rash, so they do not fully prevent mpox.
Who should get the mpox vaccine?
Vaccination is recommended for people at higher risk, including those with a recent known exposure. A healthcare provider or local health department can confirm whether you qualify and where to get it.