Mpox: what parents should know

By now you’ve probably heard of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the news, on your social media channels or in conversation. But many people are wondering, what is it and should I be concerned for my kids?

What is mpox?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox.” The mpox virus is not life-threatening.

The science is clear – just as we recently saw with COVID-19 – mpox is a virus that can infect anyone in any age group. Mpox does not target people based on how they identify or who they love. Mpox spreads through close contact with someone with the virus.

Get the basics from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

What are the symptoms of mpox?

The symptoms of mpox named by the CDC are:

A distinctive rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face or mouth, or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, vagina or anus).
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can look like larger, solitary pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Fever.
Headache.
Muscle and back aches.
Respiratory symptoms (sore throat, congestion, cough).
And more.

While it’s likely you will get a rash if you get mpox, not all people do. You may only get some of the symptoms of the virus.

How does mpox spread?

Because this virus spreads through close (and intimate) contact with another person with the virus, it can spread easily. The CDC says it can be spready through many ways:

Direct contact with the mpox rash.
Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, etc.) and surfaces that have been used by someone with the virus.
Sexual contact with someone with the virus (oral, anal and vaginal sex).
Things like hugging, getting a massage, wrestling, etc.
And more.

Not enough information is available yet on whether or not mpox can be spread through respiratory secretions, so at this time, mask wearing is recommended for those with mpox or caring for someone with mpox.

What is the prevention recommendation and treatment for mpox?

There is a vaccine available to prevent the infection of mpox. Some people are eligible to get the vaccine if they might have also been exposed. If you have symptoms of mpox, talk to your health care provider. Otherwise, the treatment for mpox is supportive care while people recover from the illness on their own.

How long does it take to heal from mpox?

The biggest issue families should be aware of is the time it takes for someone to be no longer infectious and not be able to spread the virus. Reports say it could take 3-4 weeks for the rash to heal.

Can kids get mpox?

One myth is that mpox is only a sexually transmitted illness. It is not; it may be spread during any type of close physical contact.

Though mpox is most commonly found in men who have sex with men, if a child comes in close physical contact with a person who has mpox, they can get it too.

What should you do if you suspect your child has mpox?

You should go to your child’s pediatrician if your child is experiencing symptoms of mpox. While not all rashes are a sign of mpox, the very distinctive rash is one of the key indicators of mpox.

How is mpox different from COVID-19?

Mpox and COVID-19 viruses are different – with mpox virus, there’s a much longer history of research and experience than what we’ve had with COVID-19.

We know mpox is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person’s rash, whether that be their skin or touching objects they’ve touched (fabrics, towels, bedsheets, etc.). It’s important to note, it may be spread through the air, but that is not the main way mpox spreads.

Also, unlike COVID-19, health experts have not seen someone be infectious before they get sick. This means, if people stay home when they feel sick, get tested if they develop the skin rash and avoid contact with others if a rash appears, the spread of mpox spread can be limited.