Mpox symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure and can include a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and flu-like illness. Symptoms can be extremely painful and usually last 2 to 4 weeks.
The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing; and the rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)
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.
The mpox virus can be spread from the start of symptoms until the rash is fully healed. Most cases of monkeypox will recover on their own, however, some infections may result in hospitalization with children and immunocompromised individuals being at higher risk of severe infection.
If you are sick with mpox, isolate at home and if you have an active rash or other symptoms, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets you live with, when possible.
Learn more about signs and symptoms.