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1. What is mpox (monkeypox)?

Mpox (monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. The 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. It is not related to chickenpox. 

2. Is mpox deadly?

Infections with the mpox virus identified in this outbreak are rarely fatal. Over 99% of people who get this form of the disease are likely to survive. However, people with weakened immune systems, children under eight years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill or die. Contact your primary care physician or provider if you are experiencing symptoms or have a rash.

3. Who is at risk for mpox?

Anyone in close contact with a person with mpox is at risk and should take steps to protect themselves. People who do not have mpox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Current cases are primarily spreading through sex and other intimate contact among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM); transgender people; gender-nonconforming people; and nonbinary people. People in these social circles who have multiple or anonymous sex partners are also at a high risk of exposure.

Mpox is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is often transmitted through close, sustained physical contact, which can include sexual contact. Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation can get and spread mpox.

4. What are the symptoms of mpox?

Symptoms of mpox can include: fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough) and a pimple-like rash that may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. Sometimes, people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

 

5. How is mpox spread?

Mpox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex. In addition, pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

Mpox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with close contact with materials contaminated by the virus.

Touching items that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids, including clothing, towels, or bedding is another way mpox spreads.  It’s also possible for people to get mpox from infected animals, either by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by eating meat or using products from an infected animal.

6. Should I get vaccinated?

Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is directing the distribution of all JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine in Tennessee. The vaccine is distributed to regional and county health departments only on an as-needed basis and currently can only be given to the following:

1. Individuals with a known contact/exposure to monkeypox identified through public health interviews during the prior 14 days

2. Individuals who might have been exposed to mpox in the past 14 days, including if they:

• Are aware that a sexual partner was diagnosed with mpox in the past 14 days
• Have had multiple sexual partners in the past 14 days

3. Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (MSM), and/or transgender, gender-nonconforming or gender non-binary individuals who report any of the following in the last 90 days:

• Having multiple sex partners or anonymous sex
• Being diagnosed with a sexually-transmitted infection (STI)
• Receiving medications to prevent HIV infection (HIV PrEP)
   
   

Tennessee Department of Health vaccine information

7. Where can I get vaccinated?

Shelby County Health Department has received a limited supply of Jynneos vaccine to those who meet the criteria listed above. It is offered at the 814 Jefferson Avenue location.

8. What are the treatments for mpox?

There are no treatments specifically for mpox virus infections. However, because of genetic similarities in the viruses, antiviral drugs and vaccines used to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox infections. TPOXX is an antiviral drug that may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill. JYNNEOS^TM  is a vaccine, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of mpox. Most people with mpox recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks without the need for medical treatment.  If you have symptoms of monkeypox, you should talk to your healthcare provider

Information about monkeypox treatment from the CDC

9. What if I have an adverse reaction to the vaccine?

If you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness), call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital. For other concerns, contact a health care provider.

Adverse reactions should also be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report. Visit: https://vaers.hhs.gov/ or call 800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

10. Where can I get tested?

If you think that you need to be tested for mpox, you should talk with your doctor, nurse or medical provider about your symptoms. All primary care physicians and other medical providers should be able to evaluate patients for suspected monkeypox and collect a specimen for testing if indicated. A direct swab of a suspected mpox lesion is the only reliable way to test for the disease. That means if you don’t have a rash/lesions, you cannot be tested.  

Talk to your health care provider if you think you have been exposed to mpox or are at high risk for exposure.

 

FDA information about monkeypox testing