What is mpox?

Mpox
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What is mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus. If you have it, you may get a painful rash along with other symptoms. Mpox is from the same family of viruses as smallpox. They have similar symptoms, but mpox symptoms are milder. It rarely causes death. Mpox isn't related to chickenpox.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Symptoms may include:

  • A painful rash.
  • A fever.
  • Swollen glands.
  • Feeling very tired.
  • A headache.
  • Chills.
  • A sore throat.
  • A stuffy nose.
  • A cough.

The rash can show up anywhere on your body, such as on your genitals, anus, mouth, arms, or legs. A rash can have one bump or many bumps, and it may be painful. At first, the bumps may look like flat spots. Over time, they may look like pimples or pus-filled blisters. The bumps scab over and may be itchy as they heal. The scabs will fall off, and there will be a new layer of skin as the rash heals. This may take a month or more.

Some people don't get symptoms.

How is mpox diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. You may also be asked about travel and if you know anyone who has symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you have mpox, they will swab the rash for testing. They may also check for infections like herpes.

How is mpox treated?

Most cases are treated at home with rest and pain medicines. If you are very sick or more likely to get very sick, your doctor may give you an antiviral medicine. You may also get this medicine if the rash is in a very painful spot. Some people are treated in the hospital.

How can you care for your child who has mpox?

  • Make sure your child gets rest and drinks plenty of fluids.
  • Cover the rash with clothing or bandages.
  • Wear gloves when changing your child's bandages and clothing. Throw gloves away after use. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Try to keep your child from scratching the rash or touching their eyes.
  • If your child is older than 2, have them wear a mask when around others, if you can. Wear a mask when caring for your child.
  • Keep your child home from school or childcare and away from other people and pets until they no longer have symptoms and the rash has healed. This can take a month or more.
  • Ask your doctor if you can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help with pain. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • If your doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain or to treat the virus, read and follow all instructions on the label. Call your doctor if your child has problems with the medicines.
  • Have your child stay away from other people until your child no longer has symptoms. This means that the rash blisters have scabbed over, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed where the scabs used to be.

Mpox in children: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
  • Your child has a seizure.
  • Your child has new or worse trouble breathing.
  • Your child has new or worse chest pain.
  • Your child has a severe headache.
  • Your child is confused or can't think clearly.
  • Your child has trouble speaking or moving.
  • Your child has a stiff neck.
  • Your child vomits blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
  • Your child has blood in their stools.
  • Your child is bleeding heavily from anywhere.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child's rash gets much worse or starts spreading.
  • Your child gets a rash in their eye or bad eye pain.
  • Your child's rash shows signs of infection, like increased pain, warmth, or redness around the rash.
  • Your child's fever went away and then came back.
  • Your child has mild to moderate bleeding, such as a nosebleed that doesn't stop quickly.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child is not getting better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.