Mpox, a contagious disease, has emerged as a global health concern with a new strain spreading across continents. Recognizing the symptoms and, crucially, what monkeypox looks like on the skin is vital for early detection and preventing further spread. Dermatologists are at the forefront of educating the public on identifying this virus.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Esther E. Freeman, several key symptoms can indicate mpox infection. These initial symptoms often precede the distinctive rash and can be mistaken for common illnesses like the flu.
The early signs of mpox include:
- Fever: An elevated body temperature is a frequent first symptom.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Expect to experience headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, chills, and profound exhaustion.
The characteristic mpox rash typically appears 2 to 4 days after these initial symptoms. This rash is often itchy or painful and commonly starts on the face before potentially spreading to other areas of the body. It’s crucial to note that this rash can be visually similar to other skin conditions like chickenpox, shingles, or herpes. This similarity is due to the rash manifesting as spots, bumps, or blisters that evolve over time.
“If you notice a new, unexplained rash or lesion anywhere on your body and suspect it could be mpox, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly,” advises Dr. Freeman. Early diagnosis is key to managing the infection and preventing further transmission.
Alt: Side-by-side skin comparison showing the evolving stages of a monkeypox rash, from early spots to blisters and scabs.
Understanding Mpox: More Than Just a Rash
Mpox is caused by a virus and has been known to infect humans since 1970, primarily in Africa. Outbreaks have occurred in various parts of the world, including a significant global outbreak in 2022 that reached the United States.
It’s important to understand that the appearance of mpox lesions can vary. The strain responsible for the 2022 outbreak often presented with fewer, more localized lesions compared to previous outbreaks where widespread lesions were more common.
Alt: Close-up view of pox-like lesions on a person’s hand, illustrating the typical appearance of monkeypox rash from the 2022 outbreak.
While the 2022 strain is still present in the United States, new infections remain relatively low. However, vigilance and awareness of what monkeypox looks like are still crucial for public health.
How Monkeypox Spreads: Transmission Routes
Mpox transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person or animal. Here’s a breakdown of how the virus spreads:
From an Infected Person:
- Direct Contact: Touching the mpox rash, scabs, or having intimate contact with an infected person is the most frequent mode of transmission.
- Indirect Contact: Handling contaminated objects like unwashed clothing or bedding used by someone with mpox can also lead to infection.
From an Infected Animal:
In regions where mpox is endemic (Central and Western Africa), certain animals carry the virus, primarily wild rodents such as rope squirrels and dormice. Transmission from animals can occur through:
- Bites or Scratches: Being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
- Handling Infected Animals: Contact with an infected animal, even if deceased.
- Consumption: Eating meat from an infected animal.
- Animal Products: Using products like creams or powders derived from infected animals.
Vaccination: A Key Preventive Measure
Vaccination against smallpox also provides protection against mpox. The smallpox vaccine is approximately 85% effective in preventing mpox, and even if infection occurs in vaccinated individuals, the illness tends to be less severe.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the JYNNEOS vaccine for individuals in the United States who are at higher risk of mpox exposure, including those who have been in contact with confirmed cases.
The CDC advises at-risk individuals who have never had mpox to receive two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, administered 28 days apart. Even if you have only received one dose, getting the second dose is still recommended. Booster doses are not currently recommended.
It’s important to note that immunity develops over several weeks after vaccination. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises continued preventive measures for several weeks post-vaccination. Individuals who have previously had mpox do not need to be vaccinated.
It’s also crucial to remember that most rashes are not mpox. However, any new rash of unknown origin warrants medical evaluation. If you suspect mpox, call your doctor’s office before going in to prevent potential spread.
Alt: A dermatologist carefully examines a rash on a patient’s face, highlighting the importance of professional diagnosis for skin conditions like monkeypox.
Diagnosing Mpox: What to Expect
Dermatologists are experts in distinguishing mpox rashes from other similar conditions. Dr. Freeman explains that while mpox can resemble chickenpox, shingles, or herpes, dermatologists possess the specialized knowledge to identify subtle differences for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
If mpox is suspected, a dermatologist will perform a swab of the rash and send it to a laboratory for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing. This test confirms the presence of the mpox virus.
Duration and Contagiousness of Mpox
Mpox typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks as the illness runs its course. Individuals with mpox remain contagious until the rash and bumps have completely resolved. During this period, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Seeking Medical Attention for Suspected Mpox
“Not every new rash is mpox, but it’s important to be vigilant,” emphasizes Dr. Freeman. If you suspect you have mpox, prompt medical evaluation is crucial. Delaying medical attention can limit treatment options and increase the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Mpox Treatment and Skin Care
While mpox may resolve on its own for some, individuals at risk of severe illness may require treatment. Antiviral medications are being used to treat mpox under certain circumstances, although there is currently no FDA-approved specific treatment for mpox.
Proper skin care is essential for managing mpox symptoms, preventing secondary infections, and minimizing scarring. Dermatologists recommend specific skin care practices for individuals with mpox rash, detailed in resources like “Mpox rash: Dermatologists’ tips for treating your skin.”
By understanding what monkeypox looks like and recognizing its symptoms, individuals can take proactive steps to seek timely medical care and help control the spread of this virus.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- “Mpox in the United States and Around the World: Current Situation.” Last updated November 16, 2024. Last accessed November 18, 2024.
- “U.S. case trends: Data as reported to CDC as of November 1, 2024.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- “Illegally sold monkeypox products.” Content current as of January 31, 2024. Last accessed November 4, 2024.
- “JYNNEOS.” Page last updated October 22, 2024. Last accessed November 4, 2024.
- “Mpox.” Page last updated October 1, 2024. Last accessed November 4, 2024.
World Health Organization. “Mpox.” Page last updated October 16, 2024. Last accessed October 31, 2024.
Written by: Paula Ludmann, MS
*Reviewed by:Esther Ellen Freeman, MD, PhD, FAAD George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, FAAD William Warren Kwan, MD, FAAD J. Klint Peebles, MD, FAAD Adrian O. Rodriguez, MD, FAAD Misha Rosenbach, MD, FAAD
Last updated: 11/18/24
