Mpox

What is mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infectious disease caused by the mpox virus. Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses that causes smallpox (variola virus); therefore, the viruses are closely related.

Mpox is classified into two subtypes. The subtype present in the United States (US) is less contagious and severe than the type found in several other countries. There are no known cases of the more severe and contagious subtype in the US.  

How is mpox transmitted?

Mpox predominantly spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with a rash or scab or sexual contact with someone infected with the virus. Examples of contact where mpox could be transmitted include: 

• skin-to-skin contact with a mpox rash or scab; 
• during vaginal, oral, or anal sex; 
• while kissing (which contributes to the transfer of infected respiratory droplets); 
• during any activities that involve contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood; 
• contact with animals that carry the disease; 
• contact with contaminated items or surfaces; and 
• a pregnant person who is infected transferring the virus to the fetus or newborn. 

What are the symptoms of mpox?

The period between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms (known as incubation period) can range from 3 to 21 days and varies from person to person.

The most common mpox symptoms include: 

• skin rash or lesions 
• fever and chills 
• swollen lymph nodes 
• fatigue 
• muscle aches 
• respiratory tract symptoms such as sore throat 

List adapted from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control

Typically, the skin lesions will go through various stages of healing until the scabs fall off. A new layer of skin will form underneath. This process may take two to four weeks. A health care provider may monitor your progress during this period.

How and where can you get tested for mpox?

You can get tested for mpox by visiting a health care provider. If you’re experiencing mpox-like symptoms self-isolate and contact a health care provider for clinical assessment and testing. When you leave isolation to seek medical care (or any urgent services), cover skin lesions with clothing and wear a mask to protect others from exposure.  

A health care provider may collect a specimen by swabbing the lesions and sending the samples to the laboratory for testing. Continue isolating as you wait for the test results.

What should you do if you test positive for or believe you have been exposed to mpox?

If you test positive for mpox, isolate for the duration of the illness.  

If you suspect or know that you’ve been exposed to mpox, monitor yourself for mpox symptoms for 21 days. If you begin to experience symptoms, contact a health care provider for assessment and testing. Additionally, health care providers recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible, but ideally within four days of exposure.  

Are there treatment options available for mpox?

Most people recover without needing treatment. Some people use over-the-counter (OTC) and topical medications to control pain. Others may also use antiviral drugs such as tecovirimat (known as TPOXX). While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TPOXX for treatment of smallpox in 2018, clinical trials of TPOXX for the treatment of mpox are still being studied.

Is there a vaccination against mpox?

JYNNEOS is the vaccine available in the US to protect against mpox. It’s expected to provide broad protection against both subtypes of mpox. The vaccine is administered in two doses, 28 days (about four weeks) apart.  

You can find a vaccination site near you using the mpox vaccine locator.   

Additionally, vaccines can be used as post-exposure prophylaxis vaccination (PEPV). If the vaccine is given early enough after exposure, it can help prevent infection. Receiving the vaccine within four days of exposure can help to maximize its effectiveness. However, it can be given up to 14 days (about 2 weeks) after exposure. 

Are there certain groups that are at higher risk for mpox than others? 

Anyone can be infected with the mpox virus. However, the outbreak in the US has mostly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).    

Research indicates that some groups may be at a higher risk of infection including: 

• People who engage in sex work or participate in sex events such as sex parties. 
• People who have multiple sex partners. 
• People living in the same household with someone who has mpox. 
• Health care workers who are exposed to orthopoxviruses. 

Early research on the spread of mpox shows that it can be transmitted when you aren’t experiencing symptoms—known as being asymptomatic. That said, scientists are continuing to study asymptomatic transmission.

How can you reduce your risk of contracting mpox?

Vaccination is recommended for those at a higher risk of exposure. You can also reduce your risk of acquiring the mpox virus by: 

• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other mpox symptoms, or someone with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis. 
• Temporarily pause activities that increase exposure to mpox. These activities include sexual activity or close personal contact with new partners, especially if you or your partner(s) have been exposed and you’re within the incubation period. Pausing for at least two weeks after your second dose of the vaccine can help reduce your risk. 
• Asking sexual partners if they’re experiencing symptoms associated with mpox. 
• Refraining from sharing bedding, towels, clothing, cutlery, cups, and other personal items with a person with mpox symptoms or a person with a suspected or confirmed mpox diagnosis. 
• Cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water and avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces. You may also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Getting the mpox vaccine, especially if you fall in one of the high-risk groups described previously. 

While re-infection is rare and it’s possible to develop immunity for a previous mpox infection, if you have ongoing risk of mpox exposure, it’s still recommended that you get vaccinated. 

Where can you get more information about mpox? 

Columbia University Resources 

Columbia University students who are experiencing symptoms consistent with mpox can contact Medical Services for clinical guidance. Students who are concerned about mpox exposure should monitor themselves for symptoms for at least 21 days and contact Medical Services if symptoms develop.  

Students may schedule a same-day appointment through the Patient Portal or by calling 212-854-7426.  

Columbia Health does not offer the mpox vaccine at this time. However, mpox vaccines are available at various clinics throughout New York City and can be located using the NYC Vaccine Finder.    

For additional resources, Columbia University students can access the following services: 

• Alice! Health Promotion: Students can access health promotion or health education services to get non-clinical guidance on various health topics. 
• Medical Services: Students who have paid the health services fee can access preventive and urgent medical care services as needed. 

Supplemental Resources

There are a number of local, national, and international mpox resources available to the general public. These resources provide additional information about the virus, where you can find testing, and how to protect yourself and others. 

New York City and New York State Resources 

• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 
• NYC 311 
• NYC Pandemic Response Institute 
• New York State Department of Health 

National Resources

• American Medical Association 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Cleveland Clinic 
• National Prevention Information Network Vaccine Locator 
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration 

International Resources 

• Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) 
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control 
• World Health Organization