About Mpox

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Last updated 1/7/2026.

The County of San Diego is committed to ensuring residents continue to have access to safe and effective vaccines that are based on credible, transparent, and science-based evidence. In alignment with the West Coast Health Alliance and other leading medical, health, and patient advocacy groups, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. 

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with Monkeypox virus. Mpox:  

  • Usually causes a mild illness with a contagious rash that lasts several weeks.
  • Can spread person-to-person through close physical contact with someone who has mpox.

On this page: 

Prevention

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against mpox. Learn more about who may benefit from vaccination.

Black and white image of vaccine syringe.
  • Getting two (2) doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine, at least 4 weeks apart, provides the best protection. The vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from mpox.
  • Vaccines are now typically given in the back of the upper arm. Previously, mpox vaccines were commonly given in the forearm.
  • Some people had more skin reactions, including discoloration of the skin, at this injection site.
  • If you previously recovered from mpox, you do not need the vaccine.
  • Getting more than 2 vaccine doses (boosters or 3rd doses) is currently not recommended.

Talk to your sexual partner(s). Ask about recent illnesses, rashes, or international travel.

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  • Mpox symptoms may not be obvious, or visible, at the time of exposure.
  • Having anonymous and/or multiple sex partners may increase your risk.
  • Condoms cannot always prevent mpox since the rash can occur on different parts of the body, but can help reduce your chance of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Do not share items with someone who has an unexplained rash. Avoid sharing items such as:

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  • Towels or bedding
  • Sex toys or fetish gear
  • Toothbrushes
  • Dishware

Wash your hands often.

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  • Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, this is especially important after intimate contact.

Be mindful of mpox symptoms.

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  • If you notice any new rashes or sores, avoid intimate contact until you see a medical provider for testing.

Follow international travel recommendations.

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Lower your risk of mpox during sex or at a social gathering. Protect yourself and your partner(s) by:

  • Not having sex or close contact if you or your partner(s) have mpox symptoms, such as a new or unexplained rash or sores or feels sick until they see a health care provider. 
  • Reducing the number of sexual or close contact partners, especially if their recent sexual history is unknown. 
  • Making a habit of exchanging contact info with any new partner for sexual health follow-up if needed. 
  • Limiting going to sex or circuit parties or spaces with intimate contact with multiple people. 
  • Using condoms and gloves during sexual activity.  

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Transmission (Spread)

Mpox was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys, hence the name. The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mpox is regularly found in west and central African countries.

Mpox can be spread through close contact with a person with mpox, including:

  • Intimate physical contact, such as touching the genitals, hugging, massage, kissing, and prolonged face-to-face interactions (such as talking or breathing).
  • Direct skin-to-skin contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids that touched sores.
  • Sharing a living space, or personal items, with someone who has mpox.
  • From a pregnant person with mpox to the fetus during pregnancy or to the newborn during and after birth.

Casual contact, like one might have in an airplane, office, or store, is unlikely to spread mpox.

Anyone can get mpox after having close physical contact with someone who has the infection, especially coming into direct contact with the rash, sores, and bodily fluids. However, the current risk to the general public is low.

  • To date, most mpox infections in California have been among gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and their social networks.
  • Also, there have been travel-related clade I mpox infections in the U.S. and California.  

A person can spread mpox from:

  • The time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, and/or
  • 1 to 4 days before symptoms.

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Symptoms

After being exposed to mpox, it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to show. Mpox can start with other symptoms such as:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Low energy
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Body Aches

Within about 3 days, a rash or sore(s) develop.

  • The rash or sores may be located anywhere on the body. This includes hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals.
  • The rash can initially look like pimples, or blisters, and may be painful or itchy.
  • The rash or sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
  • While the chickenpox rash may look like a mpox rash, they are not related. Because chickenpox is caused by a virus that is unrelated to mpox, having had chickenpox (varicella) infection or vaccine in the past will not protect you from mpox.
symptoms
Photo Credit: NHS England High Consequence Infectious Disease Network

If you think you have the mpox rash and want to get tested or have any health concerns, please contact your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1 San Diego for information.

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Testing and Treatment

See your healthcare provide​r if you notice any rash or sores.

  • Ask for mpox testing if you think you may have mpox. The test for mpox is a swab of the rash or sore.
  • ​Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help with your symptoms. 
  • Avoid touching the rash or sores. This can spread the rash to other parts of the body, increase the chance of spreading the virus to others, and possibly cause open lesions to become infected by bacteria.
    • It can take several weeks for the rash to fully heal.
  • ​Additional treatments may be needed for people who are very sick with mpox or who are at a higher risk for getting very sick. Talk with your healthcare provider. 

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Resources

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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Call the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499, or send an e-mail, for more information.