Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease that can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact, such as people you have sexual contact with or live with.

Symptoms of mpox include a skin rash with small blisters that may resemble chickenpox. The blisters may appear around the genitals and rectum, or on other parts of the body, including the mouth and throat. Some individuals may have a more widespread rash, while others may have only few blisters. Flu-like symptoms, such as chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, may also occur before the rash develops.

Mpox is contagious from the onset of symptoms until all scabs have fallen off the blisters and the skin is fully healed. The virus spreads through contact with fluid from skin blisters or sores. Even with very few blisters, you can transmit the infection. Human-to-human transmission typically occurs through close physical contact, such as kissing, sexual activity, or sharing a bed.

The virus may also be transmitted through respiratory droplets if upon prolonged, close, face-to-face contact. However, this is not considered a major or efficient route of transmission, compared to close physical contact.

The incubation period, or the time from infection to the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 6-16 days but can be shorter or as long as 21 days.

The disease usually lasts around 2-4 weeks and resolves on its own for most people. However, the rash can be painful, especially if it is located in and around the rectum. Scarring may also occur where the blisters were present. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to manage symptoms.

There is a risk of transmission during sexual activity with someone infected with mpox. While using a condom reduces the risk, it does not eliminate it. Mpox can also be transmitted through objects that have come into contact with the virus, such as sex toys, bedding, or other items.

If you have sexual contact with multiple partners, pay attention to symptoms such as a skin rash, sores, or blisters in yourself and your partners. It is a good idea to exchange contact details with sexual partners, as this can support contact tracing if one of you is subsequently diagnosed with mpox.

If you develop mpox symptoms, you should refrain from sexual activity until mpox has been ruled out or the symptoms have resolved. We also recommend using condoms or dental dams until 12 weeks after the rash has healed.

If you suspect you may be infected with mpox, contact your doctor without going to the clinic in person. When speaking with your doctor, describe your symptoms and where you think you may have been exposed to the virus. If your doctor determines that you may be at risk of infection, they will arrange for testing. If you need to visit a healthcare facility for testing, we recommend maintaining physical distance, wearing a face mask, and covering any blisters with clothing

If you have symptoms of mpox, avoid sexual activity and close physical contact with others.

Cover all blisters on your body, arms, and legs with clothing. While awaiting test results, you should self-isolate regardless of whether you have symptoms.

If you test positive for mpox, whether you need to self-isolate depends on your symptoms.

However, anyone who tests positive for mpox should avoid close physical contact with others, including sexual activity, until any systemic symptoms have resolved, all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has fully healed.

You should self-isolate if you have blisters or a rash that cannot be covered with clothing when around others, such as blisters on your face, hands, or in your mouth.

You should also self-isolate if you feel unwell with flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever, muscle aches, and/or chills.

If you can completely cover your blisters or rash with clothing, self-isolation may not be necessary. However, it is important to pay attention to new blisters that may appear. If new blisters appear in areas that cannot be covered, such as your face, hands, or mouth, you should self-isolate. Additionally, it is important to wash or disinfect your hands frequently and avoid close physical contact with others.

As a general rule, you should avoid contact with individuals who are at risk of severe mpox disease. If your job involves close physical contact with others or working with children under 12 years old, pregnant women, or individuals with immunodeficiencies, you should stay home from work until all scabs have fallen off and the skin has fully healed.

The Danish Health Authority recommends preventive vaccination for specific high-risk groups. The Danish Health Authority also recommends that close contacts of confirmed mpox cases be offered vaccination.

Vaccination against mpox provides protection against mpox disease, but it does not guarantee immunity or prevent transmission. Therefore, it is important to be aware of symptoms, even if you are vaccinated. If you develop symptoms, you should avoid close physical contact with others until mpox has been ruled out or your symptoms have resolved.The Danish Health Authority recommends vaccination for the following individuals who are considered to be at increased risk of infection with mpox:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM) who have had protected or unprotected sexual intercourse with at least two male partners within the past 12 weeks.

• MSM who have had a sexually transmitted infection within the past 24 weeks.

• Women, transgender persons, non-binary or other individuals who, based on an individual clinical assessment using the above criteria, are considered to be at increased risk of infection.

• Individuals travelling to areas with outbreaks of mpox clade Ia and/or Ib who, following a clinical assessment by an infectious disease specialist, are considered to be at particular risk of exposure to mpox, for example:

  • Healthcare workers

  • Individuals working in refugee camps or as humanitarian aid workers

Individuals who are close contacts of confirmed cases may also be vaccinated following an assessment by a physician or the Danish Patient Safety Authority.

If you have previously been infected with mpox, vaccination is not necessary. This also applies if you become a close contact of an infected person after having had mpox.

Vaccination against mpox is managed by the five Danish regions, and you can find more information about where and how to get vaccinated on the regional websites.

Here’s where to find information about vaccination in your region (in Danish):

• Region Hovedstaden 

• Region Sjælland 

• Region Syddanmark 

• Region Midtjylland 

• Region Nordjylland