The current mpox situation continues to evolve and the information below will be updated as new information emerges. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely monitoring mpox tra​nsmission in California  to ensure the identification of cases and outbreaks. The risk of mpox to the general public is currently very low based on the latest information; however, anyone can become infected with mpox virus if they are exposed.​

Find the number of reported cases and demographic data in California by visiting CDPH Mpox Data in California.

About Mpox

Mpox is an infection caused by infection from the monkeypox (mpox) virus, a type of Orthopoxvirus. Mpox is a public health concern because it can be transmitted person-to-person and can cause severe illness and even fatalities in humans. Although mpox virus is in the same family of viruses as smallpox, it is less transmissible and typically less severe than smallpox.

Mpox was first identified in 1958 and primarily occurs in Central and West African countries. There are two types of mpox: clade I and clade II. Historically, mpox has been rare in the U.S. and has mostly been related to international travel or the importation of animals. Since 2022, there has been a significant increase in reported cases from clade II mpox in locations where mpox was not commonly seen, including Europe, Canada, and the United States, including California.

Since ​2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been experiencing a large outbreak of mpox from clade I, which is normally found in the region. Clade I is associated with more severe illness and death. To date, no cases of clade I mpox have been identified outside of the DRC and the risk to the general public in the U.S. is very low per the CDC. Preventive measures, including the mpox vaccine, are still felt to be protective against clade I mpox virus.

See CDPH Mpox Questions and Answers (Q&A)​ for more information. 

Symptoms 

Mpox can start with symptoms like the flu, with fever, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, most people with mpox infection will develop a rash or sores.

The rash or sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful and itchy. The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt). They can also appear on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or inside the mouth. They may also be limited to one part of the body. The sores go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

People with mpox may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Some people have also reported developing a rash or sores before (or without) the flu-like symptoms. ​

Infectious Period 

A person with mpox can spread it to others from before symptoms start until all sores have healed, scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath, which can take several weeks (CDC | How it Spreads).

Transmission

Mpox is mainly spread through close contact with people who have symptoms. It can also spread from people with very mild illness who don’t know they’re infected, or people without visible symptoms yet.

Mpox can be spread by:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with the sores or scabs of people with mpox.
  
• Direct contact with body fluids of people with mpox, such as drainage from skin sores or saliva that was in contact with mouth sores.
  
• Contact with the respiratory secretions of people with mpox, such as saliva, during prolonged, face-to-face contact or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex.
  
• Touching items (such as bedding, towels, clothing, cups and utensils) that previously touched the sores or body fluids of people with mpox.
  
• Transmission from a pregnant person with mpox to the fetus during pregnancy or the newborn during delivery.​
  

To date, there has been no evidence that mpox is spread by casual contact with other people such as attending an outdoor event with fully clothed people, trying on clothes or shoes at a store, traveling on a plane or on other public transit, swimming in a pool or body of water, or going to other public settings (grocery store, restaurants, workplaces, restrooms). See CDC | How Mpox Spreads and CDPH Mpox Q&A for more information.

Prevention

There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of mpox, including:

• Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine near you​.
• Talking to your sexual partner(s). Ask about recent illnesses and be aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner's body, including on the genitals and on or around the anus. See CDPH Safer Sex and Mpox (PDF).
  
• Avoiding close contact with people who have symptoms. If someone has a rash or sores that look like mpox, avoid skin-to-skin contact such as hugging, kissing, cuddling, and sexual activity.
• Not sharing materials (e.g., towels, fetish gear, sex toys, and toothbrushes) with someone who has mpox.
  
• Washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using appropriate PPE​ (like a mask, gown, and gloves).
• Preventing spread to others if you have mpox infection: Isolating away from others until the rash is healed, cleaning and disinfecting shared areas in the home, and notifying close contacts who may have been exposed helps protect others from mpox. See CDC | If You Are Sick for more information.
• Taking precautions if you have been exposed to mpox: It is recommended to monitor yourself for symptoms and avoid close, personal, or intimate contact with others for 21 days after exposure; getting vaccinated right after exposure may also prevent infection. If you notice any rash or sores, get tested. See CDC | If You’re A Close Contact for more information.

Testing​

If you have symptoms, getting tested for mpox and sexually transmitted infections is strong​​ly encouraged to help identify infections, get treatment, and prevent infections in others. Seek medical care for evaluation if you have a new or unexplained rash or other symptoms. While undergoing evaluation for mpox:

• Avoid crowds and close contact, including sexual or intimate contact, with other people until you see your health care provider. See CDC What to Do If You are Sick for more information.
• Wear a well-fitting mask, ensure your rash is covered, and tell your health care provider that you have possible mpox symptoms. 
• If you do not have a health care provider or healthcare insurance, visit a public health clinic, a local county clinic or see GetTested | CDC to find a clinic near you.
  

Healthcare providers should refer to CDPH Mpox Guidance for information on testing and infection control.

Isolation and Preventing Spread to Others

Persons who have suspected or diagnosed mpox are advised to isolate and stay at home away from others, if able. See CDPH Mpox Q&A for more information about what to expect if you are diagnosed with mpox and CDC | Isolation and Infection Control at Home​ for ways to prevent spread to others at home.

If you believe you may have exposed someone to mpox while you were infectious, you can let them know anonymously (consider using  tellyourpartner.org). Notifying people who have been exposed is important so they can monitor for any symptoms, get vaccinated, and know to get tested if they currently have or develop symptoms. See CDC | What to Do If You are Sick for more information.

Treatm​ent​

Most mpox infections are mild and heal without any treatment. Talk to your health care provider if you have symptoms of mpox and are experiencing pain or irritation due to the rash or sores. Your provider may be able to offer medications to help reduce your symptoms and discomfort, like mouth rinses, stool softeners, or topical gels or creams.​​ Skin care and self-care are also important to promote healing—see CDC What to Do If You Are Sick – Taking Care of Yourself for more information.

Antiviral drugs, such as tecovirimat (TPOXX), may be used to treat mpox. TPOXX is recommended for people who are experiencing severe illness or are more likely to become severely ill. People who may be at risk for more severe illness include those with a weakened immune system, young children (less than 1 year of age), those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with a history of certain skin diseases like eczema. TPOXX may also be recommended for people who have a rash or sores in areas that are at higher risk for severe complications, such as the eyes, anus, or the genital area. For more information on TPOXX, see Treatment Options on CDPH Q&A​ and CDC Patient's Guide for Tecovirimat.

Providers​ should reference CDPH Mpox Supportive Care and Pain Control Suggestions for Patients with Mpox and CDPH Mpox Tecovirimat Treatment Information for Providers​ for more information.

Healthcare Providers and Local Health Departments

See CDPH Mpox Guidance for more information on mpox diagnosis, testing, treatment, and infection control.

Additional Information

For more information about mpox, visit the CDPH Mpox Q&A page. ​​​​​​​​​​​​