Monkeypox (Mpox) is NOT an STD and anyone can contract mpox through direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and mpox is rarely fatal. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
• 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, genitals, or anus.
• The rash goes through different stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.
• Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

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How It Spreads

Mpox is NOT an STD. Mpox can spread from person to person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.

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Prevention

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Learn More Ways to Prevent Mpox

Vaccination

To see if you are eligible for a vaccination, click here.

If you are eligible for a mpox vaccine, please contact your primary care provider to discuss vaccination options.

Questions or Need to Get Tested?

Please contact us at Monkeypox_Info@guilfordcountync.gov or call 336-641-7944 with questions.

Statement from the WHO:

Mpox will become a preferred term, replacing monkeypox, after a transition period of one year. This serves to mitigate the concerns raised by experts about confusion caused by a name change in the midst of a global outbreak. It also gives time to complete the ICD update process and to update WHO publications. Read More...