Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease spread through close personal contact, including skin-to-skin. It can cause a rash or sores, and flu-like illness. The disease is rare, but is being reported in the U.S. and other countries that don't normally have monkeypox cases.

No cases of monkeypox have been reported in Mississippi.

• U.S. map and case count (CDC)
• Current U.S. situation (CDC)

How Monkeypox is Spread

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal contact — including skin-to-skin contact such as:

• Direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores or scabs
• Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox
• Through respiratory droplets from face-to-face contact with a person who has monkeypox

Monkeypox does not spread easily without close contact.

This contact can happen during any intimate sexual contact:

• Oral, anal, and vaginal sex
• Hugging, massage, or touching any body part with monkeypox sores
• Kissing and talking closely
• Touching fabrics and objects used by a person with monkeypox, such as bedding, towels or surfaces that have come into contact with them

Many monkeypox cases have occurred among men who have sex with men, but anyone who comes into close contact with an infected person may be at risk.

Monkeypox Symptoms

Early symptoms of monkeypox are usually flu-like:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Other symptoms usually develop a few days later:

• A rash or sores, sometimes located on or near the genitals or anus, but sometimes in other areas such as the hands, feet, chest or face. These sores will go through several stages before healing.
• Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

Note: Some people experience a rash or sores first, followed by other symptoms and some only experience a rash or sores.

When you can infect others: Monkeypox can be spread to others when symptoms begin and until all sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Healing can take several weeks.

If You Have Symptoms

If you have a new or unexplained rash, sores, or other symptoms, see your healthcare provider.

• Remind your healthcare provider that the monkeypox virus is circulating in the community.
• Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until you have been checked by a medical professional.

If You or Your Partner Have Monkeypox

• Follow the treatment and prevention recommendations of your healthcare provider.
• Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until all your sores have healed and you have a fresh layer of skin formed.