MPOX FAQs (formally known as hMPXV or Monkey Pox)

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Symptoms of mpox can include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
A rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

For a full list of symptoms visit the CDC's website.

How does the mpox spread?

Mpox spreads in a few ways.

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:
- Direct contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with mpox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions.

This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:
- Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with mpox.
- Hugging, massage, and kissing.
- Prolonged face-to-face contact.
- Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with mpox and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.

A pregnant person can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta.

For more information visit the CDC’s website.

How do I protect myself from mpox?

Take the following steps to prevent getting mpox:

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
- Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox has used.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.

Visit the CDC's website for more information.

Are PWH at higher risk of severe mpox?

Data from Europe and the World Health Organization do not indicate a higher risk of severe disease with mpox in people with HIV who are on ART and virologically suppressed. People with advanced HIV infection and CD4 < 350 or who are not virologically suppressed on ART may be at risk of severe disease from mpox, including prolonged illness and other complications. Treatment is available for people with HIV who are exposed to mpox or with mpox, and we encourage PWH with exposure or symptoms to seek prompt medical attention.

To review the study visit the CDC's website.

Is there a mpox vaccine and who is eligible?

There is a vaccine available. Here is the current eligibility requirements for the mpox vaccine provided by the OHA.

JYNNEOS mpox vaccine eligibility criteria, Oregon

1. Anyone who has been identified by public health as a contact of someone with mpox

2. Anyone who has had close contact with someone with mpox

3. Laboratory workers who routinely perform mpox virus testing

4. Clinicians who have had a high-risk occupational exposure (e.g., examined mpox lesions or collected mpox specimens without using recommended personal protective equipment)

5. Anyone who anticipates having or has had recent direct skin-to-skin contact with at least one other person AND who knows other people in their social circles or communities who have had mpox

The latest OHA vaccine eligibility criteria can be found here. You can find out more about Lane County eligibility here. You can also find the CDC's recommendations for vaccination here.

Does HIV Alliance have vaccines available?

We have mpox vaccine available by appointment most Wednesdays and Fridays at the Eugene office.

Call 458-215-0081 (541-228-8465 para español) for more information and appointment availability.

Vaccines may also be available through Lane County's vaccine clinic. To find available vaccines outside of Lane County, visit the mpox vaccine locator.

Does HIV Alliance offer mpox testing?

Testing is available by appointment through HIV Alliance's Eugene medical clinic on Tuesdays, Thursdays or during Friday drop-in clinics from 1-4 PM as available.

Is there a treatment for mpox?

There are no treatments specifically for mpox virus infections. However, mpox and smallpox viruses are genetically similar, which means that antiviral drugs and vaccines developed to protect against smallpox may be used to prevent and treat mpox virus infections.

Antivirals, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be recommended for people who are more likely to get severely ill, like patients with weakened immune systems.

If you have symptoms of mpox, you should talk to your healthcare provider, even if you don’t think you had contact with someone who has mpox.

To find the most up to date information about treatments visit the CDC’s website.

Where can I find out more about cases in the U.S.?

You can find out more about cases in the U.S. including total case count and cases by state on the CDC’s website.

Where can I find out information about cases by county in Oregon?

You can find out about cases reported by county in Oregon by visiting the OHA's website.

OHA webinar recording and presentation

The OHA recently held a listening session with Dr. Tim Menza to talk more about the mpox. You can listen to this webinar on YouTube with this link.

The OHA has also made the presentation slides available for review.