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MPOX is a viral infection in the same family as smallpox. It does not usually cause serious illness. However, mpox can result in painful lesions or sores and sometimes result in hospitalization or death. While the strain currently circulating in the US is rarely fatal, symptoms can be extremely painful, and rashes from mpox can result in permanent scarring.

How Mpox is Spread

Older New Yorkers, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and young children under 8 years of age may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes.

Mpox is spread through:

  • Direct contact with mpox sores or rashes through intimate or skin-to-skin contact.
  • Contact with objects or fabrics (e.g., clothing, bedding, towels) that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
  • Respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with monkeypox; historically, these respiratory droplets can only travel a few feet, and are of primary concern among those who have very close or prolonged contact.

For additional information on monkeypox transmission, please visit the CDC webpage "How it Spreads."

MPOX Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox include rashes, bumps, or blisters, along with fever and headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. These rashes or bumps often occur in the genital or peri-anal area and may take place without fever or other flu-like symptoms.

  • Symptoms typically start 1-2 weeks after exposure to the virus.
  • Mpox can continue spreading from symptom onset until all sores or blisters have healed, and a fresh layer of skin has formed, roughly 2-4 weeks.

If you notice a new or unexplained rash or other MPOX symptoms, please see a healthcare provider.

Prevention

 

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Local healthcare providers must report all suspected mpox cases to Cattaraugus County Health Department.

To report a suspected case of mpox, questions, or to make an appointment to recieve the mpox vaccine, contact the Cattaraugus County Health Department at (716) 373-8050.

Catt. County is an Accredited Health Department by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)