Though rare in the U.S., monkeypox cases have been reported in various areas, including Mississippi. It is important to know what monkeypox is and how to be diagnosed and treated.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox (mpox) is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox can be spread from infected animals to humans and between people. In humans, a monkeypox infection causes flu-like symptoms and a rash.

There are two main strains of monkeypox virus: clade I and clade II. Monkeypox outbreaks have occurred in parts of Central and Eastern Africa and other countries. Though it is rare in the U.S., travel-related cases have been increasing. These cases involve the clade I virus and seem to be linked to the outbreak in Africa. There have also been cases of clade II monkeypox in various countries around the world, including the U.S.

Monkeypox Symptoms

The symptoms of a mpox infection typically begin within 21 days of exposure to the virus. Early symptoms include:

Sore throat.
Runny nose.
Cough.
Fever.
Chills.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Headache.
Fatigue.
Muscle aches.

Later symptoms begin about 1 to 4 days after the early, flu-like symptoms. This stage is characterized by a rash, which can affect the hands, feet, face, chest, genitals, or anus. The rash moves through a series of stages:

Flat spots become blisters.
The blisters become filled with pus.
The blisters scab and fall off after 2 to 3 weeks.

When is Monkeypox Contagious?

You can spread monkeypox from when your early symptoms start until your skin rash has fully healed.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

Mpox can spread from person to person in several ways:

On clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone with monkeypox.
Through the saliva of an infected person.
Contact with the skin or sores of someone with mpox.
Any intimate or sexual contact with someone who has monkeypox.

Is Monkeypox Deadly?

Most people recover from an mpox infection without severe illness. Some people may be at higher risk for a serious infection:

Children less than 1 year old.
People with a weakened immune system.
People with a history of eczema.
Pregnant women.

Complications from an mpox infection can include:

Painful mouth sores that make eating and drinking difficult, sometimes requiring IV fluids.
Significant genital pain requiring treatment.
Life-threatening infection of organs or other parts of the body.
Encephalitis (infection of the brain).

Diagnosing Monkeypox

If you are experiencing a rash that suggests a monkeypox infection, you should have testing done. In an mpox test, a provider will swab your skin lesions and test the samples in a lab. Results are typically available in a few days.

Treating Monkeypox

Monkeypox treatment is focused on relieving skin irritation and preventing skin damage. Pain medication may also be ordered.

People infected with mpox should avoid contact with other people and pets until their rash has fully healed.

A vaccination is available for people at risk for mpox who meet certain criteria.

Monkeypox Treatment in Urgent Care

If you think you’ve contracted monkeypox and are experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to see an urgent care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Amory Urgent Care is a trusted home for convenient, comprehensive medical care in Amory, MS. Our convenient location is equipped with a full spectrum of diagnostic services and staffed by a caring team ready to serve you.