Mpox Disease Management
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If you are at risk and are eligible, get vaccinated.
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If you've been exposed to mpox, get vaccinated within 4 days of exposure (and up to 14 days with no symptoms).
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Make informed choices when in spaces or social situations where mpox could spread.
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Avoid close contact with someone who may have mpox. If unavoidable, wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
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Do not share bedding, clothing, towels, utensils, or cups with a person who has mpox.
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Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
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If you are showing symptoms of mpox, contact your healthcare provider or visit a public health clinic and get tested.
How Do I Prevent Mpox?
While waiting for your test results, it’s important to:
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Isolate yourself from others, stay home, and avoid public transportation.
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Wear a mask and cover lesions if you must leave the house.
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Let your healthcare provider know you've been tested.
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Keep pets like dogs away to prevent any potential spread.
What Do I Do While Waiting for the Test Results?
For more severe disease symptoms
If you are in the United States speak with a healthcare professional about antiviral agents that are available for use under compassionate use protocols or in clinical trials (e.g. tecovirimat).
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Tecovirimat is being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of mpox. For more information, visit STOMP or call 1.855.876.9997.
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Tecovirimat is also available through an expanded access protocol held by the CDC. For more information, visit CDC Obtaining Tecovirimat or call CDC Emergency Operations Center at 1.770.488.7100 or email poxvirus@cdc.gov.
If you are outside the United States, contact your local or national public health agency for information about compassionate use or clinical trials of treatment.
Patients should also be careful not to infect anyone else
Continue isolating yourself until your lesions are fully healed (this usually takes 2-4 weeks).
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Avoid physical contact with others and, if possible, use a separate bathroom.
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Wear a mask if you can't fully isolate and wash your hands frequently.
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Clean any personal items like clothing or bedding.
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Stay isolated until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.
If your test results are positive:
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Continue isolating until your lesions are fully healed (this usually takes 2-4 weeks).
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Avoid physical contact with others and, if possible, use a separate bathroom.
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Wear a mask if you can't fully isolate and wash your hands frequently.
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Clean any personal items like clothing or bedding.
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Stay isolated until all scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.
What Do I Do if I Test Positive for Mpox?
Patients should be treated based on their symptoms to support their recovery:
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Fever and pain: Take medicines like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
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Mouth rash: Rinse with salt water, prescription mouthwashes, or local anesthetics.
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Body rash: Use topical gels and creams, like benzocaine/lidocaine gels, calamine lotion, or petroleum jelly. Take an oral antihistamine (Benadryl) or soak in a warm bath with over-the-counter bath products.
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General: Eat healthy foods and drink lots of water.
How Do I Treat Mpox?
Pain is a common symptom of mpox, especially from the rash or lesions, and can be managed.
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For mild pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help.
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For severe rectal pain or proctitis: Topical treatments like lidocaine, sitz baths, and even prescription medications like gabapentin can be effective.
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For mouth lesions: Rinsing with saltwater or using viscous lidocaine can reduce discomfort.
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Always consult with a healthcare provider before using prescription medications.
How Do I manage the Pain?
Certain individuals may need medication, particularly if:
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They have severe symptoms like large lesions or infections.
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They have underlying conditions like being immunocompromised, pregnant, or breastfeeding.