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MPOX Information for the Public
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus from the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.
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Transmission (Spread)
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people.
Both types of mpox can spread through:
- Direct contact with infected animals
- Close contact (including intimate contact) with a person with mpox
- Direct contact with contaminated materials
A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
New data show that some people can spread mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms appear.
How Mpox Spreads (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Prevention
JYNNEOS is a 2-dose vaccine developed to protect against mpox and smallpox.
- People need to get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection against mpox.
- The second dose should be given 4 weeks after the first dose.
- Read more about risk factors and who should get vaccinated:
Other ways to protect yourself and others from mpox include:
- Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Avoiding contact with materials that a person with mpox has used, including sharing eating utensils and cups, and handling their bedding or clothing.
- If you do get mpox, isolate at home, and cover lesions and wear a mask if you must be around others.
- If you are in an area of Western or Central Africa where mpox occurs regularly, avoid contact with live or dead wild animals.
Preventing Mpox (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Signs and Symptoms
Mpox can cause a rash that may look like pimples or blisters anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, and sometimes near the genitals or anus.
Other symptoms include
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and back aches
- Headaches
- Respiratory symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
Symptoms start within 21 days of exposure. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.
A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
New data show that some people can spread mpox to others from one to four days before their symptoms appear.
Signs and Symptoms of Mpox (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Risk of Disease
Although most cases of mpox are not life-threatening, some people may be more likely to get severely ill, including
- People with severely weakened immune systems
- Children younger than 1 year of age
- People with a history of eczema
- People who are pregnant
Read more about risk factors and who should get vaccinated: Mpox Vaccination: Who Should Get Vaccinated (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Read more about mpox outbreaks and cases: Mpox in the United States and Around the World: Current Situation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Reporting
Mpox is a notifiable disease. A notifiable disease is one that doctors must report to state or local public health officials.
Public health officials track some diseases because they can spread easily, are serious, or happen often.
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Questions About
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Mpox and the vaccine used to prevent it.
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For More Information
Mpox Vaccination
Mpox (World Health Organization)
Mpox information for international travel What to Do If You Are Sick (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How Vaccines Work
Video: How Do Vaccines Work? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Spanish version: ¿Cómo funcionan las vacunas? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
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Access Your Immunization Record
If you have been immunized in the State of Michigan, you may be able to download your immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).
Visit the Michigan Immunization Portal to learn more or contact your healthcare provider.