Mpox

(This page is part of a series. For information on other illnesses that can affect NPS employees, volunteers, commercial use providers, and visitors, please see the NPS A–Z Health Topics index.)

THE BASICS
Mpox is a viral illness caused by a virus that is closely related to the smallpox virus. Despite its name, the animal source of the disease remains unknown. In 2022, mpox spread across several countries that don’t normally report it, including the United States. The virus is transmitted from person to person primarily through close contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids of an infected individual, as well as through touching objects that have been in contact with lesions or bodily fluids from an infected individual or through contact with respiratory secretions. Close contact can refer to sexual contact or any other intimate physical contact; during the 2022 outbreak, the majority of mpox cases in the U.S. have been traced to sexual contact with an infected person. Mpox infection classically causes an initial stage of flu-like symptoms (fevers, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches) followed by the development of rash/lesions. However, during the 2022 outbreak, many patients have reported that these initial symptoms may not be present before the rash/lesions develop or may develop at the same time as the rash/lesion. Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus. A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. Infections with the type of mpox virus identified in this 2022 outbreak are rarely fatal. People who are higher risk for severe infection include young children (<1 year of age), individuals who are pregnant or immunocompromised, and individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema.

PREVENTION:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
• Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
• Wash your hands often.
• Talk to your doctor about vaccination. The JYNNEOS vaccine is approved for prevention of smallpox and mpox. Use the Mpox Vaccine Locator to find locations that provide vaccination.

If you are notified that you are a close contact:

• Watch for symptoms of mpox for 21 days from the date of your last exposure.
• Get vaccinated.
• See a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms.

RESPONSE:

• If you think you might be infected, contact your healthcare provider and let them know of your concern.
• Follow CDC guidance on what to do if you are sick.
• Follow CDC guidance on preventing spread to others.

Resources:

• CDC: Monkeypox Webpage

Disease Reporting

Visitors: Please email us to report any disease or health concern you believe may be related to your visit. You should also contact your healthcare provider who will report any confirmed and reportable disease on your behalf to the local or state health department.

Concessioners & Partners: Please email us to report illnesses as defined in NPS guidance and policy and in the Concessions contract.

Employees & Volunteers: NPS staff should report all employee and volunteer incidents as defined in NPS guidance and policy by contacting your NPS Public Health Consultant (restricted access), or you can email us. All work-related exposures and illnesses must also be reported in the Safety Management Information System (SMIS) (restricted access). All known disease exposures should be reported in SMIS as well.