According to the WHO, the mpox virus is transmitted through close contact with another infected person, contaminated materials, or an infected animal. With respect to person-to-person spread, the virus can spread face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin, though possible transmission through the air is not yet well understood. 

Mpox Symptoms

Symptoms of mpox infection include some or all of the following: 

• A rash that can look like pimples or blisters
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

The incubation period (which is the interval from infection to onset of symptoms) for mpox can last up to 21 days. If a person tests positive for mpox, the illness can generally last between two and four weeks. 

A person with mpox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

CDC will continue to monitor the latest information about how mpox spreads.

Monkeypox Exposure and Diagnosis

1. If a faculty, staff, or student has Mpox, they should not come to campus and should report it to your instructors and/or supervisor to determine how long you will be out (this may include isolating at home until your symptoms have dissipated).

2. If a faculty, staff, or student has had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with Mpox or exposed to an environment contaminated with the virus, they should monitor themselves closely for mpox symptoms for the 21-day incubation period.