What Is MPox (Monkeypox)?

Please see also our blog post regarding recent mpox news and traveler recommendations.

Mpox is a rare infectious disease contracted through close contact with individuals or animals infected the mpox virus. First discovered over 60 years ago in non-human primates (monkeys) and rodents in Africa, almost all mpox cases were previously diagnosed in Africa or in travelers coming from Africa or importing animals from there. In 2022, however, cases have begun to appear in many individuals without a history of travel. In Europe, most cases have been in gay males, but cases are not limited only to this demographic and are likely significantly underreported overall.

The mpox virus belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox (orthopoxviruses) It presents with some of the same signs and symptoms as smallpox, such as swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and pimple-like blisters and rashes. Mpox usually causes a milder illness than smallpox, with a much lower fatality rate (generally, less than 1% vs up to 30% for smallpox). Mpox is not related to chickenpox.

Signs and symptoms of mpox:

• Pimples, blisters, and other rashes
• Chills
• Exhaustion
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle aches
• Backaches
• Headaches
• Fevers

In some cases, the symptoms start with rashes on various parts of the body, such as the face, the mouth, chest, feet, hands, genitals, and around the anus. Often the rash is associated with swollen lymph nodes. The lesions can appear as deep blisters, pimples, or lesions with depressed centers. Some people only get a rash without the other symptoms listed above.

Examples of mpox skin lesions:

Images from CDC.gov

How is mpox contracted?

• Direct contact with mpox rashes/lesions.
• Mucus-membrane contact with someone who has mpox (sexual contact (oral or genital), kissing, etc.).
• Prolonged unmasked exposure to someone with mpox (transmission through the air is much less likely with mpox (large droplets) than with COVID-19 (small droplets/aerosol)).

Tips to prevent mpox:

• Avoid sexual contact with people who are ill with symptoms and signs of mpox.
• Avoid close contact with mpox skin lesions (or bedding, towels, etc., that have been exposed to them) until all lesions have scabbed and fallen off.
• Masking and avoidance of prolonged time in close proximity indoors to someone suspected to have mpox will decrease the chance of respiratory droplet spread.
• Consider the JYNNEOS vaccine if you believe you may either have been exposed to someone with mpox or your risk of future exposure is very high.

What is JYNNEOS (Mpox Vaccine)?

JYNNEOS (Imvanex in Europe and the UK and Imvamune in Canada) is an FDA-approved live virus vaccine for the prevention of mpox. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends JYNNEOS as pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals at high risk of exposure to orthopoxviruses, such as mpox and smallpox, and post-exposure prevention of these diseases. The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series one month apart. For locations to receive the vaccine, see NYC Health Clinics.

What are the side effects of the mpox vaccine?

• Chills
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Pain, redness, and/or swelling at the vaccination site
• Itching

Is the mpox vaccine dangerous?

The JYNNEOS mpox vaccine is FDA-approved as pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals over 18 years of age. You may experience side effects, but they are generally mild.

Is there treatment for mpox?

Antivirals such as cidofovir, tecovirimat, and vaccina immunoglobulin are potentially available through state health departments.

Where can I find out more information about the mpox vaccine?

For the official Vaccine Information Statement, please go to Smallpox/Mpox VIS.

Mpox Vaccine in NYC

Travel Medicine Consultations is a medical clinic dedicated to helping individuals travel across the world better prepared with information, vaccinations, and medication. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Julian Klapowitz before your trip for more information about mpox. You may also go to CDC Mpox Information.