Monkeypox Symptoms

mpx symptoms

People with monkeypox (MPX) generally get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could 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 initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

In the current outbreak, hospitalization and death from monkeypox are rare, but symptoms can still be painful and interfere with daily activities. Symptoms can appear between 5 to 21 days after exposure and can last up to 4 weeks with most people recovering from mild illness within that time.

Other symptoms of MPX can include:

  • Fever
  • Headache, muscle aches, and back ache
  • Swollen lymph nodes, including in your throat, armpits, and groin
  • Chills
  • Exhaustion (fatigue)

You may experience all or only a few symptoms -

  • Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
  • Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
  • Others only experience a rash.

An individual may be contagious as soon as any of the above symptoms start. If you have unusual sores or a rash, call your medical provider immediately. You may need to isolate for up to 21 days to prevent passing the virus on to others.

If You Have a New or Unexplained Rash or Other Symptoms

  • Avoid close contact, including sex or being intimate with anyone, until you have been checked out by a healthcare provider.
  • If you don’t have a provider or health insurance, contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.
  • When you see a healthcare provider, wear a mask, and remind them that this virus is circulating in the area.

Complications from MPX can include inflammation of the lining of the rectum (proctitis), or sores that could result in scarring of the eye, mouth, anus or urethra. We do not know if MPX causes long-term health problems.