Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
You may still hear it called monkeypox.
The disease name used by the World Health Organization is mpox.
The virus itself is still called monkeypox virus, or MPXV.
Mpox can cause a painful rash.
It can also cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, and sore throat.
Most people recover.
Some people become very sick.
The disease still matters in 2026.
WHO ended the international emergency declaration in September 2025.
That did not mean the outbreak disappeared.
Cases and outbreaks continue in several parts of the world.
Several virus groups are still circulating.
These include clade I and clade II, with their different subclades.
If you have a new unexplained rash after possible exposure, do not try to diagnose mpox from a photograph.
Contact a healthcare professional.
PCR testing from a lesion is usually the preferred way to confirm the infection.
Important Mpox Safety Notice
A new unexplained rash after close contact with someone who may have mpox should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Until you have advice, avoid close skin contact and sexual contact with other people.
Keep possible lesions covered when practical.
Avoid close contact with pets and other animals.
Seek urgent medical care for severe pain, trouble breathing, confusion, severe dehydration, eye pain, vision changes, rapidly worsening illness, or serious symptoms in a child, pregnant person, or person with a weak immune system.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection.
It is caused by monkeypox virus.
The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus group.
Smallpox virus belonged to the same broad virus family.
Mpox is not chickenpox.
It is also not herpes.
Mpox mainly spreads through close contact with a person who has the infection.
This can include direct contact with the rash, scabs, body fluids, or close intimate contact.
It can also spread through contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.
In some settings, infected animals can spread the virus to people.
A person with mpox can usually spread the virus until all skin lesions have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
What Causes Mpox?
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus.
The scientific abbreviation is MPXV.
It is a DNA virus.
It is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus.
This virus group also includes vaccinia virus and the virus that caused smallpox.
Why Was It Called Monkeypox?
The virus was first identified in monkeys kept for research in 1958.
This does not mean monkeys are the main natural source.
The exact animal reservoir is still not fully known.
Small mammals can carry the virus.
When Was the First Human Case Found?
The first known human case was reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970.
Mpox later became known in parts of Central, East, and West Africa.
A much larger international outbreak began in 2022.
Is Mpox Still a Concern in 2026?
Yes.
It is no longer correct to describe mpox only as a short outbreak from 2022.
Transmission continues.
WHO ended the second Public Health Emergency of International Concern for mpox on September 5, 2025.
That decision reflected better control in several affected countries.
It did not mean the virus had disappeared.
What Does the Latest Global Data Show?
In its July 2026 Weekly Epidemiological Record, WHO reported data through May 31, 2026.
From January 2022 through May 2026, WHO had received reports of more than 187,000 confirmed cases from 144 countries.
More than 500 deaths among confirmed cases had been reported during that period.
In May 2026 alone, 34 countries reported confirmed cases.
Most of those cases were reported from the African Region.
Is the Global Outbreak Over?
No.
WHO's July 2026 report still described the global outbreak as an active graded health emergency under its emergency response framework.
Public health surveillance remains important.
Why Can Mpox Return or Spread to New Areas?
Several factors matter.
- Close contact transmission
- Travel
- Sexual networks
- Household spread
- Animal exposure in some areas
- Gaps in testing
- Limited vaccine access in some countries
Outbreak conditions can differ greatly from one country to another.
What Are Clade I and Clade II Mpox?
Monkeypox virus has two major groups.
They are called clade I and clade II.
Clade I
Clade I includes:
- Clade Ia
- Clade Ib
Clade Ib has expanded beyond the places where it was first recognized.
WHO reported established community transmission in parts of Africa and Europe by mid 2026.
Clade II
Clade II includes:
- Clade IIa
- Clade IIb
Clade IIb drove much of the international outbreak that began in 2022.
It continues to circulate in all WHO regions.
Do the Clades Spread Differently?
The same main prevention rules apply.
Both major clades can spread through close contact.
Both can cause serious disease.
Testing and public health investigation can identify the virus and, when needed, determine the clade.
How Does Mpox Spread?
Mpox transmission usually requires close exposure.
Direct Skin Contact
Direct contact with an mpox rash, sores, scabs, or body fluids can spread the virus.
This can happen during:
- Touching
- Hugging
- Kissing
- Massage
- Sex
- Other close skin contact
Intimate and Sexual Contact
Sex is one important way mpox can spread.
But mpox is not limited to sexual transmission.
Any close contact with infectious skin lesions can spread it.
Close Face Contact
Saliva and respiratory secretions may be involved during close face contact.
This is different from a virus that commonly floats across rooms and infects people through casual shared air.
Contaminated Objects
Mpox can spread through objects used by someone with mpox.
Examples can include:
- Bedding
- Towels
- Clothing
- Sex toys
- Other contaminated personal items
Animals
In areas where monkeypox virus circulates in wildlife, animal exposure can cause infection.
Risk can come from bites, scratches, body fluids, or handling infected animals.
Pregnancy
A pregnant person with mpox can pass the virus to the fetus.
Transmission can also occur around birth.
Does Mpox Spread Easily Through the Air?
Not in the same way as measles or similar highly airborne diseases.
CDC says mpox is not known to spread through casual air exposure such as simply being across a room, in an office, or in a classroom.
Close face contact can still matter because respiratory secretions may be exchanged at short range.
Can You Get Mpox From a Swimming Pool?
CDC has not found a clear link between mpox and properly treated swimming pools or hot tubs.
Direct close contact with a person or contaminated personal items remains more important.
Can You Get Mpox From a Toilet Seat?
Ordinary brief contact with public surfaces is not considered the main way mpox spreads.
Contaminated materials that have had direct contact with lesions can carry more risk.
Good cleaning and hand hygiene are useful.
What Are the Main Mpox Symptoms?
Mpox symptoms can differ from one person to another.
The rash is one of the most important signs.
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Back pain
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Nasal symptoms
- Cough
Some people develop flu like symptoms first.
Others notice the rash first.
Some people have only a few lesions.
Do You Always Get a Fever?
No.
A person can have mpox without a clear fever.
Are Swollen Lymph Nodes Common?
Yes.
Lymph node swelling can occur with mpox.
It may help distinguish mpox from some other rash illnesses, but it cannot confirm the diagnosis.
What Does an Mpox Rash Look Like?
The mpox rash can look like pimples, bumps, blisters, or sores.
The lesions may be firm.
They can be painful.
Later, they may become itchy.
The lesions change as they heal.
They eventually crust.
The scabs fall off.
Fresh skin forms underneath.
Where Can the Rash Appear?
Lesions can appear on:
- Face
- Hands
- Feet
- Chest
- Mouth
- Genitals
- Groin
- Around the anus
- Other parts of the body
Can You Have Only One Mpox Lesion?
Yes.
Some people have only one or a few lesions.
You do not need to have hundreds of spots.
Can a Photo Diagnose Mpox?
No.
Many skin problems look alike.
A photograph cannot confirm monkeypox virus infection.
For general rash and skin guidance, visit the NextFitLife Skin Health Guide.
How Long After Exposure Do Mpox Symptoms Start?
Symptoms usually begin within 21 days after exposure.
CDC describes a typical incubation period of about 3 to 17 days.
A person may feel normal during this period.
How Long Does Mpox Last?
Many cases last about 2 to 4 weeks.
Some people take longer to recover.
Illness may last longer in people with a weak immune system.
When Is Mpox Contagious?
A person can usually spread mpox from the start of symptoms until every lesion has healed and fresh skin has formed.
CDC data also suggest that some transmission can happen a few days before symptoms begin.
How often this happens is still being studied.
How Is Mpox Diagnosed?
The preferred test is usually PCR testing.
A healthcare professional collects a sample from one or more skin lesions.
The sample is sent to a laboratory.
What Is Swabbed?
A clinician may swab:
- The surface of a lesion
- Material from a lesion
- A crust
Can a Blood Test Diagnose Mpox?
Blood testing is not the preferred routine test for confirming mpox.
Lesion material is usually much more useful.
Why Is Testing Important?
Several infections can look similar.
Testing helps avoid the wrong diagnosis.
It also helps guide public health action.
For broader information about laboratory and screening tests, visit the Medical Tests and Screenings Hub.
What Can Be Mistaken for Mpox?
A rash alone cannot tell you which infection you have.
Conditions that can look similar include:
- Chickenpox
- Herpes simplex
- Shingles
- Syphilis
- Scabies
- Bacterial skin infections
- Allergic reactions
- Other viral rashes
Mpox Versus Herpes
Herpes can also cause painful blisters.
The pattern and location can overlap.
Laboratory testing may be needed.
Read our Herpes Skin Rash guide for more about herpes symptoms and testing.
Can You Have Mpox and Another Infection at the Same Time?
Yes.
A person can have mpox and another sexually transmitted infection or skin infection at the same time.
This is another reason professional testing matters.
How Is Mpox Treated?
Most people receive supportive care.
The goal is to control symptoms and prevent complications.
Care may include:
- Pain relief
- Fluids
- Good nutrition
- Skin care
- Care for mouth sores
- Prevention of bacterial infection
- Treatment of other infections when present
Pain Control Matters
Mpox lesions can be very painful.
Lesions around the mouth, genitals, or anus can cause severe pain.
Do not assume severe pain is something you simply need to tolerate.
Ask for medical help.
Should You Pop Mpox Blisters?
No.
Do not intentionally pop or cut lesions.
This may delay healing.
It can spread virus to other areas.
It may also increase bacterial infection risk.
Do Antibiotics Treat Mpox?
No.
Mpox is caused by a virus.
Antibiotics do not kill monkeypox virus.
An antibiotic may be needed only if a bacterial infection develops.
For more infection guidance, use the Infections and Immune Health Hub.
Does Tecovirimat Cure Mpox?
No proven routine antiviral cure exists for most mpox cases.
Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, was developed for smallpox preparedness.
It has been studied for mpox.
CDC reported in March 2026 that initial results from two randomized studies found that tecovirimat was generally safe but did not shorten the time until mpox lesions resolved.
In the United States, it remains available through an investigational access pathway for certain eligible patients.
Who May Need Specialist Treatment?
Special treatment may be considered for people with severe disease or a high risk of severe disease.
This decision belongs with an experienced medical team.
Do not buy antiviral medicines online or use someone else's prescription.
Is There a Vaccine for Mpox?
Yes.
Vaccination can reduce the risk of mpox.
In the United States, JYNNEOS vaccine is the main vaccine used for prevention.
It is also used in other countries under different brand names or programs.
How Many JYNNEOS Doses Are Needed?
The standard series uses two doses.
The second dose is normally given about four weeks after the first.
If the second dose is late, CDC advises completing the series rather than starting again.
Does Everyone Need an Mpox Vaccine?
No.
Mpox vaccination is generally based on risk.
Recommendations can depend on:
- Sexual exposure risk
- Known close exposure
- Work with orthopoxviruses
- Local outbreaks
- Travel to areas with active transmission
- Local public health policy
Ask your local health authority or healthcare professional whether vaccination is recommended for you.
Does the Vaccine Give Complete Protection?
No vaccine gives perfect protection.
People who are vaccinated should still avoid close contact with someone who has active mpox.
Can You Get an Mpox Vaccine After Exposure?
Yes.
This is called post exposure vaccination.
WHO advises giving vaccine as soon as possible after a known exposure.
Giving it within four days offers the best chance of preventing disease.
It may still be considered up to 14 days after exposure if symptoms have not started.
Local rules may differ.
Contact public health or a healthcare professional quickly after a known exposure.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Mpox?
Prevention focuses on the way the virus spreads.
Avoid Direct Contact With Active Lesions
Do not touch a person's rash, sores, or scabs.
Reduce Close Contact During an Outbreak
If mpox is spreading in your community, reducing close contact with people who have unexplained rashes can lower risk.
Do Not Share Personal Items
Avoid sharing items that may have touched lesions.
Examples include:
- Towels
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Sex toys
Wash Your Hands
Wash with soap and water.
Hand sanitizer can also be useful when appropriate.
Use Vaccination When Recommended
Vaccination is one part of prevention for people at higher risk.
Know Your Partner's Health
Avoid sexual or close skin contact when a partner has a new unexplained rash or sores.
Do Condoms Completely Prevent Mpox?
No.
Condoms may lower exposure in some situations.
They cannot cover all skin that may carry infectious lesions.
What Should You Do if You Have Mpox?
Follow instructions from your healthcare team and local public health authority.
General steps can include:
- Stay away from close contact with other people
- Avoid sex and intimate skin contact
- Cover lesions when practical
- Wear a well fitting mask when you must be around others
- Wash your hands often
- Do not share towels or bedding
- Clean shared surfaces
- Do not scratch or pop lesions
- Avoid shaving over lesions
- Avoid close contact with animals
When Can Isolation End?
In general, a person remains infectious until all lesions have healed.
Scabs must fall off.
A fresh layer of skin must form.
Follow local public health instructions because rules can differ by location.
Can People With Mpox Infect Pets?
It is possible.
Monkeypox virus can infect some animals.
If you have mpox, avoid close contact with pets and livestock while you are infectious.
Avoid These Activities
- Petting
- Cuddling
- Kissing pets
- Sharing a bed
- Sharing food
- Allowing pets to lick lesions
If possible, ask another person who does not have mpox to care for your animals.
What if Your Pet Was Exposed?
Do not abandon the animal.
Contact a veterinarian or local animal health authority for advice.
Is Mpox Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy needs special attention.
Monkeypox virus can pass to the fetus.
WHO reports that mpox in pregnancy can be linked with serious complications.
These can affect both the pregnant person and baby.
What Should You Do After Exposure?
Contact a healthcare professional quickly.
Do not wait for a rash if you know you had significant exposure.
Vaccination and medical care decisions need individual assessment.
Can Children Get Mpox?
Yes.
Children can get mpox.
They may become infected through household contact or other close exposure.
Can Mpox Be More Serious in Children?
Young children can be at higher risk of severe illness.
Get medical advice early if a child develops a new unexplained rash after possible exposure.
Keep Children From Touching Lesions
Cover lesions when possible.
Keep shared towels and bedding separate.
Follow public health advice for household infection control.
Is Mpox More Dangerous With HIV?
It can be.
People with well controlled HIV do not automatically develop severe mpox.
But people with advanced or poorly controlled HIV can have a much higher risk of severe disease and death.
Should HIV Treatment Continue?
Yes.
People taking HIV treatment should continue it as prescribed unless their HIV clinician tells them otherwise.
Should Someone With Mpox Be Tested for HIV?
WHO recommends offering HIV testing to adults diagnosed with mpox when appropriate.
Other sexual health tests may also be useful because infections can occur together.
Should Travelers Worry About Mpox in 2026?
Risk depends on where you are going and what you will do there.
CDC reported continuing clade I outbreaks in parts of Central and Eastern Africa and ongoing lower level clade II transmission internationally.
Before Travel
Check current health guidance for your destination.
If you are eligible for mpox vaccination, complete the recommended doses before travel when possible.
During Travel
Avoid close contact with people who have unexplained rashes.
In areas where animal transmission occurs, avoid contact with sick or dead wild animals.
After Travel
If you develop a new rash, tell your healthcare professional where you traveled.
Also mention any known close exposure.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for Mpox?
Contact a healthcare professional if you have a new unexplained rash after possible exposure.
Medical assessment is especially important if:
- The rash is painful
- Lesions are near the eyes
- You cannot drink enough
- You have severe mouth pain
- You have severe rectal pain
- You are pregnant
- The patient is a young child
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have uncontrolled HIV
When Can Mpox Become an Emergency?
Seek urgent or emergency medical care for:
- Trouble breathing
- New confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe dehydration
- Severe weakness
- Seizure
- Eye pain
- Vision changes
- Severe or rapidly worsening illness
- Signs of serious bacterial infection
Mpox can rarely cause complications involving the lungs, brain, eyes, heart, blood, or other organs.
Do not delay care when symptoms are severe.
Common Mpox Myths
Myth: Mpox Is a New Disease From 2022
No.
Human mpox was first reported in 1970.
The 2022 event was a major international outbreak.
Myth: Mpox Only Affects Gay Men
No.
Anyone can get mpox after sufficient exposure.
Some outbreaks have affected particular sexual networks more heavily.
That does not make mpox limited to one sexual orientation.
Myth: Mpox Is Only a Sexually Transmitted Infection
No.
Sexual contact can spread it.
So can other close skin contact, contaminated materials, animal exposure, and transmission during pregnancy.
Myth: Mpox Spreads Across Rooms Like Measles
No.
Close contact is the main concern.
Casual air exposure in a classroom or office is not considered a typical route.
Myth: Every Mpox Case Starts With Fever
No.
Some people notice the rash first.
Myth: You Need a Large Rash to Have Mpox
No.
Some people have only one or a few lesions.
Myth: A Photo Can Confirm Mpox
No.
Other skin diseases can look very similar.
PCR testing may be needed.
Myth: Antibiotics Cure Mpox
No.
Antibiotics do not treat monkeypox virus.
Myth: Tecovirimat Is a Proven Cure
No.
Current trial findings have not shown that it shortens lesion resolution in routine mpox.
Myth: The International Emergency Ended, So Mpox Is Gone
No.
The emergency declaration ended in 2025.
Transmission and outbreaks continued in 2026.
References and Sources
This article was checked against current open public health guidance and 2026 outbreak information.
- World Health Organization: Mpox Fact SheetWHO guidance on mpox symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, vaccination, treatment, prevention, pregnancy, and groups at higher risk.Read the WHO Mpox Fact Sheet
- World Health Organization: Weekly Epidemiological Record, July 2026Current global outbreak data, clade distribution, case trends, and the continuing international mpox response.Read the WHO July 2026 mpox update
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About MonkeypoxCurrent 2026 information about the virus, symptoms, transmission, recovery, and general care.Read the CDC Monkeypox Overview
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Monkeypox VaccinationCurrent guidance on JYNNEOS, the two dose vaccine series, risk based vaccination, and prevention after exposure.Read the CDC Vaccine Guide
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tecovirimat for Treatment of MonkeypoxUpdated March 2026 information on tecovirimat, randomized trial findings, investigational use, and access for eligible patients.Read the CDC Tecovirimat Guidance
Conclusion
Mpox remains an important infectious disease in 2026.
The international emergency declaration has ended.
The virus has not disappeared.
Several clades continue to circulate.
The main risk comes from close contact with an infected person, infectious skin lesions, contaminated items, or infected animals in some settings.
A painful or unexplained rash should not be diagnosed from a photograph alone.
PCR testing can confirm the diagnosis.
Most people recover with good supportive care.
Vaccination can help protect people at higher risk.
People who are pregnant, very young, or immunocompromised may need earlier medical care.
Take action today: If you think you were exposed to mpox or develop a new unexplained rash, avoid close contact with others and contact a qualified healthcare professional or local public health service for testing and current advice.
Continue Reading on NextFitLife
Use these related guides for infection, skin, testing, and general health information.
- NextFitLife Health Hub
- Infections and Immune Health Hub
- Skin Health Guide
- Herpes Skin Rash Guide
- Cold Sores in Nose Guide
- Medical Tests and Screenings Hub
Main Health Hub: Return to the NextFitLife Health Hub for the full health library.
Infections and Immune Health Sub Hub: Use the Infections and Immune Health Hub for mpox, viral infections, infection prevention, antibiotics, immune health, and warning signs.
Skin Health: Visit the Skin Health Guide to learn about rashes and other skin conditions that may look similar to an infectious rash.
Herpes Comparison: Read the Herpes Skin Rash Guide because painful herpes blisters can sometimes be confused with mpox lesions.
Testing: Use the Medical Tests and Screenings Hub to understand PCR testing, laboratory tests, and how medical results are interpreted.
Medical Disclaimer
I am not a dermatologist or a doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice.
What I share comes from real life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers.
Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
I am also not an infectious disease specialist, virologist, epidemiologist, pharmacist, public health physician, pediatrician, obstetrician, veterinarian, or other licensed healthcare professional.
This article provides general education only.
It cannot diagnose mpox.
It cannot confirm an infection from a photograph.
It does not determine whether you need vaccination or antiviral treatment.
Outbreak conditions, vaccine recommendations, isolation guidance, travel advice, and treatment access can change quickly.
Always follow current advice from your healthcare professional and public health authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mpox
What is mpox?
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, tiredness, headache, and other symptoms.
Is mpox the same as monkeypox?
Yes. Mpox is the current disease name used by WHO. The virus is still called monkeypox virus.
Is the term fast monkeypox virus medically correct?
No. There is no disease called fast monkeypox virus. Mpox outbreaks can spread in close contact networks, but the medically correct disease name is mpox.
Is mpox still spreading in 2026?
Yes. WHO reported continued international transmission in 2026. Several monkeypox virus clades continue to circulate.
Is mpox still a global emergency?
WHO ended the second mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern in September 2025. This did not mean transmission ended, and WHO continued outbreak monitoring and response in 2026.
What are the main symptoms of mpox?
The main symptoms can include a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms.
What does an mpox rash look like?
The lesions may look like bumps, pimples, blisters, or sores. They can be firm and painful and later form scabs before healing.
Can you have mpox with only one lesion?
Yes. Some people develop only one or a few skin lesions.
Can you have mpox without fever?
Yes. Not everyone develops fever, and some people notice skin lesions before other symptoms.
How long after exposure does mpox start?
Symptoms usually begin within 21 days after exposure. CDC describes a typical incubation period of about 3 to 17 days.
How long does mpox last?
Many cases last about 2 to 4 weeks, although illness may last longer in some people.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox mainly spreads through close skin contact, intimate or sexual contact, contact with infectious lesions or body fluids, contaminated personal items, and infected animals in some regions.
Is mpox airborne?
Mpox is not considered a casually airborne infection that normally spreads across rooms. Close face contact and respiratory secretions can still play a role during close exposure.
Can you catch mpox from a swimming pool?
CDC has not found a clear link between mpox and properly treated swimming pools or hot tubs.
Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection?
Sexual contact can spread mpox, but sex is not the only route. Other close skin contact and contaminated objects can also spread the virus.
Can condoms prevent mpox?
Condoms may reduce some exposure, but they do not cover all skin. They cannot fully prevent spread from infectious lesions on other areas of the body.
How is mpox tested?
PCR testing from material collected from a skin lesion is usually the preferred way to confirm mpox.
Can a picture diagnose mpox?
No. Herpes, chickenpox, syphilis, bacterial infections, and other rashes can look similar. Laboratory testing may be needed.
Is there a treatment for mpox?
Most people receive supportive care for pain, hydration, skin lesions, nutrition, and complications. Special antiviral treatment may be considered for selected high risk or severely ill patients.
Does tecovirimat cure mpox?
No. CDC reported in 2026 that initial randomized trial results did not show faster lesion resolution with tecovirimat, although the medicine remains available through an investigational program for eligible patients.
Do antibiotics treat mpox?
No. Antibiotics do not treat monkeypox virus. They may be used only if a bacterial infection also develops.
Is there an mpox vaccine?
Yes. JYNNEOS is a two dose vaccine used to prevent mpox in people who meet current risk based recommendations.
How many JYNNEOS doses are needed?
The standard series is two doses. The second dose is normally given about four weeks after the first.
Can I get vaccinated after exposure to mpox?
Yes. Post exposure vaccination may help. It should be given as quickly as possible, ideally within four days of exposure.
Can vaccinated people still get mpox?
Yes. Vaccination lowers risk but does not give perfect protection.
Can pregnant people get severe mpox?
Pregnancy can increase concern because the virus may pass to the fetus and can cause serious complications. Contact a healthcare professional quickly after significant exposure.
Can children get mpox?
Yes. Children can develop mpox and young children can be at higher risk of severe disease.
Is mpox dangerous for people with HIV?
People with advanced or poorly controlled HIV have a higher risk of severe mpox. People taking HIV treatment should continue it as prescribed.
Can people with mpox infect pets?
Yes, this is possible. People with mpox should avoid close contact with pets and other animals while infectious.
When is a person with mpox no longer contagious?
In general, a person remains infectious until every lesion has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
When should I seek urgent care for mpox?
Seek urgent care for severe pain, breathing trouble, confusion, dehydration, eye symptoms, severe weakness, seizures, rapidly worsening illness, or serious symptoms in a high risk person.
Health & wellness writer with 30+ years of experience in nutrition, fitness, and healthy aging. Founder of NextFitLife.com — evidence-based health guidance.
