Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Mpox: What to Know

• Symptoms of mpox can include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backache
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion
  • 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.

For more information and pictures of mpox symptoms, visit the CDC mpox signs & symptoms page.

• How mpox spreads:
  • Mpox can spread from person to person through:
    • Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
    • Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
    • Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
    • Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

• It’s also possible for people to get mpox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal.
• Mpox can spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others. At this time, it is not known if mpox can spread through semen or vaginal fluids.
• For more information view the CDC How it Spreads page.

• If you are a close contact of a person with mpox, view our Close Contact Education Packet.
  • Click here to view the Spanish version.

Prevention:

• Take the following steps to prevent getting mpox:
  • Avoid close, skin to skin contact with the mpox rash.
    • Do not touch the rash or scabs of person with mpox.
    • Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
    • Do not share eating utensils or cups.
  • Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a sick person.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with sick people.

   

  Isolation:

  • If you test positive for mpox view our Mpox Resource Packet.
    • Click here to view the Spanish version.
  • CDC recommends that people with mpox remain isolated at home or at another location for the duration of illness. 
  • While symptomatic with a fever or any respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough, remain isolated in the home and away from others unless it is necessary to see a healthcare provider or for an emergency.
  • While a rash persists but in the absence of a fever or respiratory symptoms
    • Cover all parts of the rash with clothing, gloves, and/or bandages.
    • Wear a well-fitting mask to prevent the wearer from spreading oral and respiratory secretions when interacting with others until the rash and all other symptoms have resolved.
    • Masks should fit closely on the face without any gaps along the edges or around the nose and be comfortable when worn properly over the nose and mouth.
  • Until all signs and symptoms of mpox illness have fully resolved
    • Do not share items that have been worn or handled with other people or animals. Launder or disinfect items that have been worn or handled and surfaces that have been touched by a lesion.
    • Avoid close physical contact, including sexual and/or close intimate contact, with other people.
    • Avoid sharing utensils or cups. Items should be cleaned and disinfected before use by others.
    • Avoid crowds and congregate settings.
    • Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after direct contact with the rash.

• For more information, visit the CDC Isolation and Prevention Practices for People with Mpox page.

• View the CDC Mpox Treatment page for more information.

• If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has mpox.

• Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

  Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.

• In Michigan, the mpox vaccine is available to those who have been exposed to someone with mpox and/or anyone who thinks they may be at risk. Please call your local health department to make an appointment or visit Mpox Vaccine Locator (mpoxvaxmap.org).

• If you think you may be eligible for vaccination, you can request the mpox vaccine by completing this form. You can also contact ACHD at 269-673-5411. The vaccine will be administered during ACHD business hours on a case by case basis, and appointment only.

• If you request the vaccine there is no guarantee that you will receive it, but we will do our best to meet the needs of our residents in an equitable way with the vaccines available. Our limited supply of vaccines are being distributed using risk-based criteria and screening eligibility. If you were exposed to mpox in Allegan County but are not a resident, please contact your county’s health department.

For more information on mpox vaccination, visit the CDC Mpox Vaccine page or MDHHS MPV page. 

• CDC Frequently Asked Questions page
• MDHHS Mpox Safety and Prevention

 Where can I get tested?

• People who think they have mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has mpox should visit a healthcare provider to help them decide if they need to be tested for mpox. If they decide that you should be tested, they will work with you to collect the specimens and send them to a laboratory for testing. 

What treatment is available?

• There are no treatments specifically for mpox virus infections. However, mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox virus infections.

  • Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.
  • If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has mpox.
  • Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.

Can I get the vaccine? Where can I get the vaccine?

• If you think you may be eligible for vaccination, you can request the mpox vaccine by completing this form. You can also contact ACHD at 269-673-5411. The vaccine will be administered during ACHD business hours on a case by case basis, and appointment only.

• If you request the vaccine there is no guarantee that you will receive it, but we will do our best to meet the needs of our residents in an equitable way with the vaccines available. Our limited supply of vaccines are being distributed using risk-based criteria and screening eligibility. If you were exposed to mpox in Allegan County but are not a resident, please contact your county’s health department.

When am I protected after getting the mpox vaccine?