Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Mpox virus is part of the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder; and mpox is rarely fatal. Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

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.

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus 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.

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.

A person who is sick with mpox should isolate at home. If they have an active rash or other symptoms, they should be in a separate room or area from other family members and pets when possible.

At this time, MHF is testing for mpox for patients of our Rapid Results STI/HIV testing and treatment service who have an STI treatment appointment scheduled, and who are experiencing monkeypox symptoms.

We offer our Rapid Results service at two locations:

• 8280 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (Rapid Results WeHo)

• 8601 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90003 (Rapid Results South LA)

The LA County Dept. of Public Health is currently offering monkeypox testing and treatment at their public health clinics.

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.

The CDC does not recommend widespread vaccination against mpox at this time.

However, vaccination may be recommended for some people who:

• Are close personal contacts of people with mpox

• May have been exposed to the virus

• May have increased risk of being exposed to the virus, such as people who perform laboratory testing to diagnose mpox

To schedule an mpox vaccine with MHF, please book an appointment. If you are in immediate need of a mpox vaccine, please consider contacting the LA County Dept. of Public Health for a mpox vaccine at their sexual health clinics.