Mpox virus was first found in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It has also been found in various kinds of rodents and primates in Africa. It is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus, which is part of the orthopoxvirus family. Mpox is a milder disease and does not lead to the same level of disfigurement and death associated with smallpox, another orthopoxvirus. 

Most human cases of mpox occur in central and western parts of Africa. The first human cases of mpox in the United States occurred in the Midwest in 2003 during an outbreak associated with imported animals. Other U.S. cases have rarely occurred among people who traveled to areas where the disease is more common. 

Close intimate contact with infectious lesions, bodily fluids or contaminated objects can spread the mpox virus. Mpox virus can spread to people when bitten by an animal infected with mpox or when they touch the blood, body fluids, or lesions of an infected animal or person. 

In humans, the signs and symptoms of mpox include:

• pox lesions
• fever
• headache
• backache
• swollen lymph nodes
• sore throat
• cough

One to three days after the onset of fever, a blister-like rash usually appears first on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. The blisters go through several stages before they get crusty, scab over and fall off. People with mpox are contagious until all lesions have scabbed over and have fallen off the person’s skin. The illness usually lasts for 2 – 4 weeks. In very rare cases, mpox can cause death.

Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure, with a range of 5–21 days.

Mpox is diagnosed through special laboratory tests on samples taken from people or animals suspected of having mpox.

Treatment consists of supportive care and relief of symptoms. There are few proven effective treatments specific for mpox, and treatments are being investigated. Once mpox infection is confirmed, isolation is important to reduce the spread.

There are several steps to take to prevent getting or spreading mpox.

• Avoid sexual contact, kissing or other intimate contact with people who have visible sores.
• Avoid contact with animals that could carry the virus – including animals who are sick or that have been found dead in areas where mpox occurs.
• Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, which have been in contact with a sick animal or person.
• Separate infected patients from other people and animals who could be at risk for infection.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment when caring for infected patients.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after caring for infected patients.

Also, vaccines for smallpox and mpox might reduce the chances of getting mpox. However, the CDC provides recommendations about who should be vaccinated. For information about the vaccine, go to https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/considerations-for-monkeypox-vaccination.html.

Some mammals can contract and transmit mpox. While there is much we do not know about animal transmission, the CDC has an excellent summary of animals and mpox: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/veterinarian/monkeypox-in-animals.html 

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html

The CDC is closely tracking reported cases and provides updates here: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html