Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus. The mpox virus is from the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox and smallpox have similar symptoms. But mpox symptoms are milder, and it rarely causes death. Mpox isn't related to chickenpox.
Mpox spreads through close person-to-person contact, such as cuddling. It may spread when you touch items used by someone with mpox, like their blankets. If you're pregnant and have the virus, it can spread it to your baby (fetus). The virus can also spread from animals to people.
Symptoms include a painful rash and a fever. Symptoms last for about 2 to 4 weeks. Most children can be cared for at home. If your child is very sick or more likely to get very sick, or if the rash is in a very painful spot, antiviral medicines may be needed. Sometimes mpox is treated in the hospital.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus. It's spread through close person-to-person contact, such as through cuddling, kissing, and having sex. It may be spread by touching items used by a person with mpox, such as blankets or towels. During pregnancy, the virus can spread to the baby (fetus). Mpox can also be spread from animals to people.
Symptoms may include a painful rash, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash may be itchy as it heals. Symptoms last for about 2 to 4 weeks. Most people can treat their symptoms at home with rest and over-the-counter pain medicines. People who are very sick or at risk of getting very sick may be given antiviral medicines.
There is a vaccine to prevent mpox. Get the recommended vaccines if you are at risk.
The mpox virus is from the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox and smallpox have similar symptoms. But mpox symptoms are milder, and it rarely causes death. Mpox isn't related to chickenpox.
Symptoms may include:
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.
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.
To avoid getting or spreading mpox, try to:
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.
Mpox is spread through close contact with an infected person or animal.
You may get mpox if you:
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.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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