M-POX (MPOX) Frequently Asked Questions

What is M-Pox?

M-Pox (Monkeypox) is clinically milder, its symptoms are similar to those seen in smallpox patients in the past and it is a rarely fatal viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted from animals to humans), and it can also be transmitted from person to person. With the declaration of eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the subsequent cessation of the use of smallpox vaccine, M-Pox has become a rare disease, especially in Central and West Africa.

What are the symptoms of M-Pox?

M-Pox symptoms are generally:

Fever,

Headache,

Muscle aches and back pain,

Enlarged lymph nodes,

Respiratory system symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion or cough), and

Characteristic skin rashes specific to the disease.

How is M-Pox transmitted?

M-Pox can be spread from person to person through direct contact with skin rashes, scabs, or body fluids. It can also be spread through prolonged, close contact or sexual contact (such as kissing, hugging, or intercourse).

A person with M-Pox can spread the virus to others from the time symptoms begin until the skin rash is completely healed and the skin is clean and firm. Some people can spread M-Pox 1 to 4 days before symptoms begin. However, there is no evidence that people who have no symptoms can transmit the virus.

How can M-Pox be prevented?

Avoid close skin contact with people who have a skin rash suspected of being M-Pox.

Avoid contact with objects and materials that have been used by someone with M-Pox.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Practice good hand hygiene, especially before eating, touching your face, and after using the toilet.

What treatments are available for M-Pox?

There is no specific treatment for M-Pox. However, because of the genetic similarities between the viruses, antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox can be used to treat M-Pox.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you notice a new or unexplained skin rash or other symptoms of M-Pox, see a healthcare provider.

Avoid close contact with others (including sexual contact) until you see a healthcare provider.

Avoid close contact with pets or other animals until you see a healthcare provider.

If you are waiting for your test results, continue to follow the same precautions.

If your test result is positive, continue to isolate yourself and follow other precautions until your skin rash has crusted over and has healed to the appearance of clear, firm skin.

Continue to isolate yourself if you have a fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, or cough. Go out only to see a doctor or for emergencies. Avoid using public transportation.

If you must leave isolation, cover your skin rash and wear a well-fitting mask.

Is M-Pox a sexually transmitted disease?

M-Pox can be defined as a sexually transmitted disease. In other words, sexual intercourse is only one way M-Pox is transmitted. In the past, M-Pox outbreaks occurred as a result of direct contact with infected animals and animal products, but person-to-person transmission has been limited. In the current outbreak, the virus is mainly transmitted through close contact. Transmission can occur through contact with lesions or close contact with respiratory secretions during sexual contact. However, close and prolonged skin contact with someone who has M-Pox without sexual intercourse can also cause transmission of the virus.

Can M-Pox be transmitted through water, pools, hot tubs or water parks?

There is no study that clearly links M-Pox to the water in pools, hot tubs or water parks. However, it is possible for the virus to be transmitted to other people through close contact and skin contact. It can also be transmitted through items such as towels, swimming boards, pool toys or clothing used by a patient with M-Pox. Disinfection of recreational water venues and proper chlorination of pools kills the virus and there is no risk of transmission.

Can my pet get M-Pox?

M-Pox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. However, pets are not currently at high risk for M-Pox.

Can M-Pox be spread in water in pools, hot tubs, or splash pads?

No studies have found a clear link between M-Pox and water in pools, hot tubs, or splash pads. The M-Pox virus is killed in water at the chlorine levels recommended by the CDC for disinfection in recreational water venues and required by U.S. jurisdictions.

Should I be worried about going to crowded events?

Transmission can occur when you have close contact or skin-to-skin contact with someone who has M-Pox. Early evidence suggests that events where people have close, sustained skin-to-skin contact have been linked to cases of M-Pox. If you are planning to attend an event, you should consider how much close, personal, skin-to-skin contact there will be.