Jorge Osorio — resident mpox expert from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Pandemic Defense Coalition partner — has answers surrounding the virus.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPV), a zoonotic virus, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, “and, subsequently, human to human,” Osorio said.

How do you get mpox?

Mpox can be spread in a variety of ways. From animals, it can spread through close physical contact or consumption of uncooked meat of an infected animal.

An infected person, however, can spread mpox through saliva, respiratory secretions, rashes, bodily fluids, shared fabrics such as clothing or bedding as well as other contaminated objects such as unwashed utensils or devices, and even during or after birth.

Is mpox contagious?

Yes. People with mpox are contagious while symptomatic, typically for 2-4 weeks. Osorio said that “we’re not yet sure” whether people without symptoms are contagious, but global health experts are figuring that out.

Osorio makes one important distinction: “We’re not looking at another COVID-19 here,” he said. “COVID is spread through microscopic droplets and particles, whereas mpox is commonly spread through direct physical contact, so it’s less transmissible.”

Symptoms of mpox?

Often include fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, low energy and skin rashes or lesions, typically concentrated on the face, palms or soles of feet. “However,” Osorio said, “some people may not experience symptoms.”

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. There is an FDA-approved vaccine, and it’s available for people over 18.  It is available for certain people who have had high risk exposures to mpox. There’s also an antiviral drug available to treat mpox for those who experience severe disease or may be at high risk of severe disease, such as immunocompromised people.

Will mpox become a pandemic?

As Osorio said, mpox is very different from COVID-19. The virus is less transmissible.

What’s next?

Global experts, including our Pandemic Defense Coalition, already have eyes on the ground at partner sites to help monitor further development of the virus.

“We’re actively watching and analyzing this virus to ensure we can identify, track and test it,” Osorio said. The Coalition is also developing a diagnostic test for mpox that will be shared within the Coalition for research, and we’ll take steps to address additional testing needs as the situation evolves.

With every new or evolving outbreak, we’re committed to finding and providing answers.

This story was originally published on June 20, 2022, and updated on August 22, 2024.