Per CDC:
At a glance
Mpox is a disease caused by a virus in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms.
Mpox is spread through close contact with infected people or animals.
There is no specific treatment for mpox.
Overview
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes mpox has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.
Signs and symptoms
People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3-17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.
Keep Reading: Signs and Symptoms of Mpox
How it spreads
Both types of mpox can spread through:
Direct contact with infected animals
Close contact (including intimate contact) with a person with mpox
Direct contact with contaminated materials
Keep Reading: How Mpox Spreads
Prevention
There are several ways you can protect yourself and others from mpox, including
Getting vaccinated. Check with your healthcare provider to find out if the mpox vaccine is recommended for you.
Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
Avoiding contact with materials that a person with mpox has used, including sharing eating utensils and cups, and handling their bedding or clothing.
If you do get mpox, isolate at home, and cover lesions and wear a mask if you must be around others.
If you are in an area of Western or Central Africa where mpox occurs regularly, avoid contact with live or dead wild animals.
Keep Reading: Preventing Mpox
To learn more visit: About Mpox | Mpox | CDC
