Monkeypox: What you need to know

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare disease caused by a virus that belongs to the same family of viruses that cause smallpox. It’s less contagious than smallpox and usually spreads through close, personal contact. Generally, it also causes less severe illness, so most mpox cases resolve on their own.

Due to the high number of cases, the World Health Organization has declared the current mpox outbreak a global health emergency. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed cases of mpox in all areas of the U.S. 

Mpox doesn’t spread as easily as respiratory viruses like COVID-19. So most people aren’t considered at high risk. But Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping protect our members and providing appropriate treatment to those who do become infected. Here’s what you need to know about mpox.

In the U.S., most people with mpox develop a rash. It usually starts as a red area that turns into pimples and blisters before scabbing. Before the rash starts, some people also experience fever, chills, and fatigue.

In the current mpox outbreak, the rash is often only in the genital area and thighs. But there have been cases where the rash is on the face, hands, and arms. It’s important to keep the rash covered around other people whenever possible.

Mpox usually spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash. It can also be spread by sharing surfaces, clothing, or bedding with an infected person. In the current outbreak, it appears to rarely spread through coughing.

Until symptoms start, mpox isn’t contagious. After symptoms start, it’s contagious until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed in their place.

People with mpox can experience:    

• Rash, pimples, and blisters
• Pain from the rash
• Head, muscle, and back aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Mpox illness usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks, and most people will get better on their own.

Yes, there is a mpox vaccine. It’s administered in 2 doses, 28 days apart, to help prevent illness. Although many vaccines are only effective before exposure, you can receive the mpox vaccine before or after exposure to the virus. 

The vaccine supply is distributed by local health departments and is extremely limited. The following populations (regardless of age) are eligible to receive the mpox vaccine JYNNEOS:

• Men who have sex with men, transgender and gender diverse persons who:
  • Had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days including engaging in survival and/or transactional sex (e.g., sex in exchange for money, shelter, food, and other goods or needs).
  • All patients with HIV
  • Diagnosis of gonorrhea and/or early syphilis within the past 12 months
  • Receiving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • Attended or worked at a commercial sex venue or other venue where they had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners within past 21 days
  • Skin-to-skin or intimate contact (e.g., kissing, hugging) with persons at large venues or events in the past 14 days.
• Individuals (regardless of gender or sexual orientation) engaged in commercial and/or transactional sex in the past 14 days.
• All patients with close household contact to somebody with confirmed mpox, regardless of age

Please note: If a patient has a history of mpox, they have active immunity against mpox and are not eligible to receive the vaccine. Also, patients who get mpox in the middle of the vaccine series should not get the second dose of vaccine.

As supply increases, we expect more groups to become eligible for the mpox vaccine. If you believe you are in one of the groups identified, you should contact your care team to ask about the vaccine. Kaiser Permanente members can call their care team or send them an email through kp.org or the mobile app. Do not go to a medical center or any other Kaiser Permanente facility to get vaccinated without first contacting your doctor.

Mpox tests need to be processed at a qualified laboratory facility. So you need to get tested by a health care professional. There is currently no home test for mpox.

The vaccine can help prevent mpox before or after exposure to the virus. If you get mpox, some smallpox treatments can be effective. But many mpox cases don’t need treatment with medication.

Mpox is usually spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. In general, it’s best to avoid:

• Close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
• Touching the rash or scabs of someone with mpox
• Having sex with someone with mpox or who has a rash that looks like mpox
• Sharing clothing or bedding with someone who has mpox

According to the CDC, men who have sex with men make up most of the reported cases in the current mpox outbreak. But anyone who's been in close contact with someone who has mpox is at risk.

If you experience mpox symptoms or think you’ve been exposed, you should isolate and contact your doctor immediately. Kaiser Permanente members can call their care team or send them a direct message on kp.org or in our app. Please do not go to a medical facility to seek care unless directed to by your care team.

Our doctors will work closely with local public health officials to address any suspected mpox exposure or cases.

Source:

Visit cdc.gov for more information on mpox.