Mpox

Prevention, symptoms, and treatment of the Mpox virus

Prevention, Symptoms & Risk Factors

Learn about Mpox symptoms, risk factors, and prevention

Mpox is a viral illness with symptoms similar to but typically milder than smallpox. Symptoms may include rash, fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes starting within 21 days of exposure. The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has enhanced local surveillance and public health preparedness activities to monitor and respond to the emerging public health issues. Sign up here for email notices from SMCHD.

How It Spreads

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:

- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids, including semen
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
- Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids

Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta. It’s also possible for people to get mpox from infected animals by being scratched or bitten by an infected animal or preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. Scientists are still researching whether mpox can be spread by an infected person who does not have symptoms. Learn More.

Signs & Symptoms

In humans, the symptoms of Mpox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches
Backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, or genitals

Skin lesions may be painful or itchy, and progress through the following stages before falling off:

Macules (small and flat)
Papules (small bumps)
Vesicles (small blisters filled with clear fluid)
Pustules (small blisters filled with pus)
Crusting & scabbing over

You may experience all or only a few symptoms. Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash. Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Click here for more information on symptoms and examples of Mpox rashes.

Risk Factors

Any person exposed to mpox virus can develop mpox illness. The current conditions of the 2022 global outbreak of mpox virus involve a higher risk of exposure to the virus with certain activities, though this may change with ongoing community spread of the virus. People who may be at higher risk under current outbreak conditions might include but are not limited to those who:

1. Had contact with someone who had a rash that looks like mpox or with someone who was diagnosed with confirmed or probable mpox
2. Had skin-to-skin contact with someone in a social network experiencing mpox activity, this includes men who have sex with men who meet partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)
3. Traveled outside the US to a country with confirmed cases of mpox or where mpox activity has been ongoing
4. Had contact with a dead or live wild animal or exotic pet that exists only in Africa or used a product derived from such animals (e.g., game meat, creams, lotions, powders, etc.)

Prevention

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox:

- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox

Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread mpox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals, as well as bedding or other materials they have touched.

Learn more about prevention at social gatherings (CDC).

If you think you may have mpox:

1. Isolate at home
2. If you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible
3. Seek medical evaluation (please call ahead to notify the health care team of your concern)

More Information For:

Local healthcare providers should immediately report concerns/suspected mpox cases to the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Infectious Disease Program by calling 301-475-4330, or 301-475 8016bafter hours.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions and answers about Mpox.

Treatment & Vaccine Information

If you have symptoms of mpox or may have been exposed to someone with mpox – Call ahead to your health care provider’s office or urgent care center, tell them your concerns, and avoid close contacts with others until you can be evaluated.