Overview (Mpox)

Submitted by elombatd@who.int on

Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Anyone can get mpox. It spreads from contact with infected:

  • persons, through touch, kissing, or sex
  • animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them
  • materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles 
  • pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby. 

If you have mpox: