Mpox Overview
What is Mpox?
Mpox (previously called as monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV).
People infected with mpox may have a range of symptoms including fever, headache, or swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that can appear anywhere on the body. Some people may not have any symptoms before the start of the rash. The rash will turn into raised bumps, which then fill with fluid. The rash will scab over and the scabs fall off. Most people recover in 2-4 weeks, although the rash can leave scars. The disease can be serious, especially for people with weak immune systems, children, and pregnant people.
Mpox is most commonly spread by having close contact with someone who has mpox. Brief interactions that do not involve physical contact and health care interactions conducted using appropriate protective equipment are not high risk. The mpox virus can be transmitted from person to person in the following ways:
- Direct contact with the skin or body fluids of an infected person (including sexual/intimate contact).
- Contact with virus-contaminated objects (such as bedding, clothing, fetish gear, or sex toys).
- Respiratory droplets during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Spread to baby during pregnancy or spread to newborn during or after birth.
People with a confirmed case of mpox are contagious starting four days before they develop symptoms and continue to be contagious until the scabs fall off. A person with mpox should stay away from others until the scabs fall off.
Humans can also get mpox from contact with infected animals.
Learn more about How Monkeypox Spreads, CDC. Note: The CDC has reverted to calling mpox as “monkeypox.” Washington State Department of Health will continue to use “mpox” in alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO).
What are the symptoms of mpox?
People infected with the mpox virus often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, anus, or genital area. Some people may not have any symptoms before the start of the rash. Some people have pain in the anal region, with or without other symptoms such as fever and headache. For some people, the rash might only be on the genitals or anal region. For others, the rash might cover a larger area of the body. The rash can look like pimples or blisters at first and may be painful or itchy. The rash eventually scabs over, and the scabs fall off.
Other symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Tiredness
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (i.e. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
Who is at risk?
Mpox can affect anyone, but some people may be at higher risk. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk and risk increases with more sexual partners. Other risk factors may include travel to areas where mpox is spreading; close, non-sexual contact with someone who is infected; or contact with sick animals.
Limit the Spread of Mpox
Vaccination is the best way to protect against mpox. It is only recommended for people at high risk of getting mpox, especially during an outbreak.
To protect yourself and others from mpox, we recommend the following measures:
- Practicing safe sex and harm reduction methods such as reducing your number of sexual partners. See CDC's Safer Sex, Social Gatherings, and Monkeypox.
- Avoiding sexual contact with anyone who has open wounds, sores, or rashes.
- Avoiding other skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has open wounds, sores, or rashes, or anyone who is infected with mpox.
- Avoiding close contact with an animal that might have mpox, especially when traveling to areas where mpox is endemic. See CDC's Current Situation of Monkeypox in US and Around the World.
- Avoiding touching objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox and have not been disinfected.
- Washing hands frequently.
- Getting vaccinated if you meet the criteria. See Guidelines for JYNNEOS Vaccine Use (PDF).
Mpox Vaccine
Who should get the mpox vaccine?
A two-dose mpox vaccine JYNNEOS, CDC is available to reduce the chance of developing an mpox infection. Getting both doses 4 weeks apart provides the best protection, but you do not need to restart the series if you get the second dose after 4 weeks.
Mpox vaccination is also used to prevent mpox in people who have been exposed to mpox (post-exposure prophylaxis). If someone has been exposed, they should receive the vaccine within 4 days to prevent getting mpox. Someone who has been exposed can receive the vaccine 4 to 14 days after their exposure to prevent getting severe mpox. If you have been exposed to mpox and you already have symptoms of mpox, it is not recommended that you get vaccinated.
The following populations who are at high risk of infection should be offered mpox vaccination:
- Close contacts of someone who's been diagnosed with mpox.
- Gay, bisexual, or other men who has sex with men, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse individuals who in the past six months have had:
- A recent diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted infections (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis). OR
- More than one sexual partner.
- People who engaged in the following in the past 6 months:
- Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or a bathhouse).
- Sex in association with a larger public event.
- Sex in exchange for money, drugs, or other purposes.
- People who are sexual partners of people with any of the above risks.
- People who anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios.
- People with HIV infection or other cause of immunosuppression who have had recent or anticipate potential mpox exposure.
- People who work in settings where they may be exposure to mpox (like people who work with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory).
- International travelers to areas where mpox is endemic who anticipate having any of the above risks. See CDC's Current Situation of Monkeypox in US and Around the World.
If you previously recovered from mpox, you do not need the vaccine. Check with your health care provider if the mpox vaccine is recommended for you.
What are the side effects of mpox vaccine?
The most common side effect of mpox vaccination is a sore spot with redness, swelling, or pain where the shot was given.
This vaccine is continually monitored for safety. The benefits and side effects of this vaccine outweigh the risk of getting mpox.
Why is mpox vaccine important?
Mpox is still happening within WA, the United States, and in other countries, which puts residents and travelers at risk. A person infected with mpox traveling to the U.S. can infect someone who is not vaccinated.
Learn more about cases of Mpox in Washington.
Vaccine Information Statement
The vaccine information statement (VIS) is given to patients or parents/guardians at the time of vaccination. It explains the benefits and risks of the specific vaccination. Read CDC's Smallpox/Monkeypox Vaccine Information Statement (PDF).
More Resources
For the Public
Smallpox/Monkeypox Vaccine Information Statement, CDC (PDF)
Mpox, World Health Organization
For Healthcare Providers
Clinical Overview of Clade I and Clade II Monkeypox, CDC
Guidelines for JYNNEOS Vaccine Use (PDF)
Childhood Vaccine Program
The Washington State Childhood Vaccination Program provides vaccines to children 18 years of age and younger at no cost. JYNNEOS is included in this program for children who are 18 years of age.
View participating health care providers on our Vaccine Providers Map.
Adult Vaccine Program
JYNNEOS is on the list of available vaccines for the Washington State Adult Vaccine Program (AVP).
View participating health care providers on our Vaccine Providers Map.
Vaccine Available to Providers At No Cost
We currently have a limited supply of JYNNEOS for providers. See Mpox Vaccine (JYNNEOS): Limited doses
available to providers at no cost (PDF) for more details. Additional options are being explored as ways to increase equitable accessibility of the vaccine. We will provide updates if more options for JYNNEOS vaccine access become available.