Frequently Asked Questions

Any person—of any age, gender, or sexual orientation—who has direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person can get Mpox.

Mpox is primarily spread in the following ways:

• • Direct contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infectious person
  • Sexual and other close, intimate contact with an infectious person
  • Sharing unwashed bedding, towels, and clothing with an infectious person
  • Exposure to the respiratory secretions of an infectious person*
  • Across the placenta from a pregnant person with Mpox to their fetus

*Through prolonged face-to-face interaction; the type that mainly occurs when living with or caring for someone with Mpox

The most characteristic symptom of Mpox is a multistage rash that may be:

• • located on or near the genitals, mouth, anus, and/or other parts of the body like the hands, feet, and chest
  • red, bumpy, pimply, or blistery in appearance
  • painful or itchy

Early signs of Mpox can include flu-like symptoms, such as:

• • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache, muscle ache, or backache
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fatigue

Note: Anyone with Mpox symptoms should isolate away from others until all symptoms are gone and new skin has formed under any rash or lesions. For more informtion, see Alameda County Mpox Isolation Guidance.

To reduce the risk for Mpox:

• • Forego close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox
    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person suspected or confirmed to have Mpox
    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with Mpox
  • Avoiding contact with objects and materials that a person with Mpox has used
    • Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with Mpox
    • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with Mpox
  • Washing hands often, especially before eating or after using the bathroom
    • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available for handwashing

At this time, the JYNNEOS vaccine is being prioritized for the following groups:

There is a recent increase in reported cases of Mpox in areas, like Europe and the United States, where Mpox is not commonly seens. While it is good to stay alert about any emerging public health outbreak, the current risk of Mpox for the general public is low.

Unlike infections such as COVID-19, which primarily spreads though very small particles in the air, Mpox is a known illness that spreads through very close contact. Mpox is thought to be most contagious when symptoms like rash and sores are present, making it easier for infected individuals to know when to stay away from others to prevent further spread.

Mpox is usually a mild illess with symptoms lasting anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks. Certain groups of people may be at higher risk for severe disease. These groups include people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Infection with the current strain of Mpox virus responsible for this outbreak is rarely fatal. Over 99% of people who get this form of the illness are likely to survive. Nevertheless, symptoms can be extremely painful, and some people may have permanent scarring as result of rashes and sores.

Anyone exposed to the Mpox virus should notify a health care provider as soon as possible. If you do not have access to a health care provider, contact us at (510) 268-2101 for support.

Note: Health care providers and local health departments may recommend a vaccine to help prevent infection or decrease severity of illness. You also may be asked to monitor for any new symptoms for 21 days after the exposure. If symptoms arise, see Alameda County Mpox Isolation Guidance.

If you have symptoms of Mpox, contact a health care provider as soon as possible for Mpox testing and treatment, if needed. If you do not have access to a health care provider, contact us at (510) 268-2101 for support.

Perons who have Mpox symptoms should ideally isolate away from others until their symptoms have gone away completely and until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.  If needing to be around others, people with Mpox should completely cover sores and wear a well-fitting mask.

Standard laundry detergents are appropriate for washing clothes or linens (e.g., bedding and towels) used by someone with Mpox.

For more information about home isolation and guidance on what to do while presenting symptoms, please refer to Alameda County Mpox Isolation Guidance and/or CDPH Mpox Home Isolation Guidance for the General Public.

Most infections are mild and will heal without any treatment.

Under a health care provider’s order, antiviral drugs developed to protect against smallpox, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be used to treat Mpox. This treatment may be recommended for persons who are more likely to get severely ill, for persons who are experiencing severe illness, or persons who have rash and sores in areas with high risk for severe complications, such as eyes or genitals.

Perosns who may be at risk for more severe illness include those with a weakened immune system, children under 8 years of age, persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and persons with a history of certain skin diseases like eczema.

Persons with Mpox should avoid contact with animals, including domestic animals and wildlife to prevent spread of the Mpox virus. It is recommended that persons with Mpox ask another household member or outside friend/family member to care for pets until fully recovered from Mpox.

For more information, see Mpox in Animals (CDC) and Mpox and Pets in the Home (CDC)

To get answers to common questions about the Mpox vaccine, see Facts about the Mpox Vaccine.

For the latest Mpox guidance and resources, see Protecting Yourself and Your Community (CDPH).