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

The Mpox spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual; contact with contaminated objects, fabrics, or surfaces; or, occasionally, contact with respiratory secretions from an infected individual.

Mpox is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, and scientists are still investigating whether the virus can be spread via bodily fluids.

However, any prolonged, skin-to-skin contact to an infected person, including sex, does increase the risk of transmission. In the current outbreak, most cases are associated with sexual contact.

The Mpox vaccine is currently recommended for gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men, transgender individuals who have sex with men. If you haven't gotten dose one, get dose one now; if you haven't gotten your second dose, it's never too late. Currently there's no recommendation to get the vaccine if you had a previous Mpox infection. As we go forward, that recommendation may change.

Source: KFF’s GREATER THAN public information campaign and CDC.

Mpox virus can be spread to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn by close contact during and after birth.

What we’ve learned as we’ve seen this Mpox outbreak is that, people living with HIV and don’t have an undetectable viral load, individuals with vey low CD4 counts can have really severe outcomes.

Source: KFF’s GREATER THAN public information campaign and CDC.

Go to the vaccine finder available on our website at https://www.aidupstate.org/mpox and put in your zip code, and it lists places where vaccines are available. Another way to find Mpox vaccines is to look at your local Health Department's website and see where they're providing Mpox vaccines.

Source: KFF’s GREATER THAN public information campaign and CDC.

You will likely need to fill out paperwork before you get tested.

To get a specimen to test, the healthcare provider will use a swab to rub vigorously across lesions of your rash. They will take swabs from more than one lesion.

This swabbing may be uncomfortable but is necessary to get enough material to detect the mpox virus from the specimens.

The specimens will be tested in a lab to see if the mpox virus is detected.

Results are usually available within a few days.

While you are waiting for your results, take precautions to avoid getting or spreading mpox virus to others.

Source: KFF’s GREATER THAN public information campaign and CDC.

Vaccination is free for Mpox. If you go to a medical provider or other vaccine providers, they will provide you vaccine free of charge. They may charge your health insurance, and your health insurance may reimburse them, but you should not experience costs transmitted to you for the Mpox vaccine.

Source: KFF’s GREATER THAN public information campaign and CDC.