Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus. It's spread through close person-to-person contact, such as through cuddling, kissing, and having sex. It may be spread by touching items used by a person with mpox, such as blankets or towels. During pregnancy, the virus can spread to the baby (fetus). Mpox can also be spread from animals to people.

Symptoms may include a painful rash, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash may be itchy as it heals. Symptoms last for about 2 to 4 weeks. Most people can treat their symptoms at home with rest and over-the-counter pain medicines. People who are very sick or at risk of getting very sick may be given antiviral medicines.

There is a vaccine to prevent mpox. Get the recommended vaccines if you are at risk.

The mpox virus is from the same family of viruses as smallpox. Mpox and smallpox have similar symptoms. But mpox symptoms are milder, and it rarely causes death. Mpox isn't related to chickenpox.