Mpox

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. 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. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

The mpox rash or sores are often seen in the genital/groin area as well as in and around the anal area but can occur all over the body as well as on the palms of the hands and soles of feet. Some recent patients have also reported anal symptoms like bleeding, pain, and mucus.

Although mpox can affect anyone regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation, recent outbreaks have disproportionately occurred in men who have sex with men.

In the current outbreak, mpox is transmitted mainly during oral, anal and vaginal sex and other intimate contact, such as rimming, hugging, kissing, biting, cuddling and massage. After someone contracts the virus, symptoms will usually develop in 1-2 weeks, but it can take as long as 3 weeks for symptoms to appear. Someone who has the virus is most likely to spread it to others from the time a rash or other symptoms appear until the rash is fully healed and covered by new skin (although it is possible to spread before skin).

The virus can also spread through:

• Direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus
• Contact with clothing, bedding and other porous items used by a person with mpox
• Prolonged face-to-face contact

Mpox is NOT spread through:

• Brief conversations/interactions
• Brushing by someone with mpox
• Touching items like doorknobs or elevator buttons

Help reduce the risk of mpox infection by:

• Getting two doses of the mpox vaccine
• Talking to your sexual partner(s) about any recent illness, and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on you or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus
• Avoiding intimate physical contact, including kissing, cuddling, and sex with someone with an unexplained rash or sore
• Seeking medical advice if you’ve had contact with someone who has tested positive or, if you have developed a new or unexplained rash or sore
• Regularly washing hands

If you have mpox, or have a new unexplained rash or sore, reduce the risk of transmitting it to others by:

• Keeping your rash covered when coming into contact with others
• Avoiding intimate contact
• If you are having intimate contact, cover your rashes and sores during contact and avoid kissing
• Being open and honest with your partners

Help reduce the stigma of mpox:

• Lead with compassion and empathy
• Anyone can get mpox, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation
• Have open conversations with sexual partners about your status and theirs.
• Don’t panic and seek medical attention if you have a new or unexplained rash. You can get tested, and find ways to keep you, your partners, and other close contacts safe

In most cases, mpox will resolve on its own.

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.

Currently, Callen-Lorde doesn’t offer specific treatment to address mpox, but we can help manage your symptoms until they resolve.

The JYNNEOS vaccine has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of mpox in people ages 18 and older.

A full vaccination course is two doses. You should get a second dose at least 28 days after your first dose.

You will start to build protection in the days and weeks after your first dose, but the vaccine will not have full effect until two weeks after the second dose. You can get a second dose intradermally (under the skin) even if you got your first dose subcutaneously (into the fatty tissue on the back of your arm).

If you received the first dose last year but didn’t get the second one, you don’t need to start over–just go ahead and get the second dose.

If you have had mpox, then you likely have some protection against another infection and are currently not eligible for a first or second dose of the vaccine.

Boosters of the mpox vaccine are not currently recommended at this time.

It’s important to note that cases in vaccinated persons are usually much less severe and but can occur. Mpox in vaccinated persons is also more likely to only affect site of contact, so it sometimes can be confused with herpes virus infection. Any new sore or rash is a good excuse to come get tested for STIs and ask your provider about the possibility of mpox.