Updated: August 2026
Mpox, previously widely known as monkeypox, is a viral infectious disease that can cause a painful skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms.
The disease is not new to Africa, and Nigeria has played an important role in understanding its changing epidemiology. Nigeria experienced a major resurgence of mpox beginning in 2017 after decades without a recognised outbreak, and subsequent outbreaks have shown that transmission can occur in several ways.
One important lesson from recent outbreaks is that mpox should no longer be thought of simply as a rare infection passed from wild animals to people living near forests.
Human-to-human transmission, including close physical and sexual contact, is now an important part of the mpox picture.
Most people recover, but severe illness can occur, particularly in people with significantly weakened immune systems, young children and during pregnancy.
Quick Answer: What Is Mpox?
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus.
The virus is related to the virus that caused smallpox, although mpox and smallpox are different diseases.
Mpox can spread through:
close skin-to-skin contact
contact with mpox lesions or body fluids
intimate or sexual contact
prolonged close face-to-face interaction in some circumstances
contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing
contact with infected animals
transmission during pregnancy or around childbirth
Common symptoms include a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and tiredness.
Some people have only a few lesions and may not develop the classic widespread rash described in older textbooks.
Why Is It Called Mpox Instead of Monkeypox?
The disease was historically called monkeypox because the virus was first identified in monkeys kept for research in 1958.
That name created a misleading impression that monkeys are the main source of the disease.
They are not known to be the virus's natural reservoir.
Various small mammals can become infected, and the natural reservoir has not been definitively established.
The World Health Organization introduced mpox as the preferred term in 2022.
The virus itself continues to be called monkeypox virus.
Because many people still search online for “monkeypox,” this article uses both terms where helpful, but mpox is the preferred disease name.
What Causes Mpox?
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus.
There are two major groups, or clades, of the virus:
Clade I, which includes subclades Ia and Ib
Clade II, which includes subclades IIa and IIb
Different clades and outbreaks can have different epidemiological characteristics.
The global outbreak that began in 2022 was predominantly associated with clade IIb, while outbreaks involving clade I have remained an important concern in parts of Africa.
For most readers, however, knowing which clade exists is less important than understanding how infection spreads, recognising possible symptoms and knowing when to seek care.
How Does Mpox Spread?
Mpox can spread in several ways.
1. Close Skin-to-Skin Contact
Direct contact with mpox lesions, scabs or infected skin is an important route of transmission.
This may occur between household members, caregivers, sexual partners or other people having close physical contact.
2. Sexual and Intimate Contact
Mpox can spread during sexual activity because sexual contact often involves prolonged skin-to-skin and mucosal contact.
Lesions may occur around the genitals, anus, mouth or other areas involved in intimate contact.
This does not mean mpox affects only one sexual orientation or group.
Anyone can acquire mpox if exposed to the virus.
Public-health communication should therefore provide accurate risk information without creating stigma.
3. Respiratory and Face-to-Face Exposure
Close face-to-face interaction can expose someone to infectious respiratory particles.
This appears to require closer and more prolonged interaction than the type of transmission associated with highly airborne infections such as measles.
Mpox should therefore not be described simply as something that spreads easily through the air across ordinary public spaces.
4. Contaminated Materials
The virus can potentially spread through contaminated objects and materials such as:
bedding
towels
clothing
surfaces or equipment contaminated with lesion material
Avoid sharing personal items with someone who has suspected or confirmed mpox.
5. Animal-to-Human Transmission
People can acquire mpox through contact with infected animals.
Possible exposures include bites, scratches and handling infected animal tissues or carcasses.
The exact animal reservoir responsible for maintaining monkeypox virus in nature is still not fully established.
6. Pregnancy and Birth
Mpox can be transmitted during pregnancy to the fetus and around the time of birth.
Infection during pregnancy can result in serious complications.
Pregnant people with suspected exposure or symptoms should therefore seek appropriate medical assessment promptly.
What Has Nigeria Learned About Mpox Transmission?
Nigeria's experience is particularly important.
A national study of people investigated for suspected mpox during the 2022 Nigerian outbreak enrolled participants across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Among adults, researchers identified both sexual and nonsexual close contact as important factors associated with infection.
Among children, close contact with someone with mpox and animal exposure were important factors.
This means Nigeria needs prevention messages that recognise both sexual and nonsexual transmission.
Presenting mpox purely as a sexually transmitted infection would be inaccurate.
So would presenting it only as a disease acquired from animals.
What Are the Symptoms of Mpox?
Symptoms usually develop after an incubation period following exposure.
Common symptoms can include:
skin rash or lesions
fever
swollen lymph nodes
headache
muscle aches
back pain
sore throat
chills
tiredness or low energy
Not everyone experiences these symptoms in the same order.
Some people develop fever and general symptoms before the rash.
Others notice the rash first.
Some may have only a small number of lesions.
What Does the Mpox Rash Look Like?
Mpox lesions can develop through several stages.
They may begin as flat areas before becoming raised and then developing into fluid-filled lesions.
The lesions eventually crust and heal.
The rash can affect areas including:
face
hands
feet
palms
soles
mouth and throat
genital area
groin
anus and surrounding skin
Some lesions can be very painful.
A person may have only one or a few lesions, while another person may have many.
This variability is one reason it is unsafe to assume that mpox must always look like photographs of severe widespread disease.
Is Swollen Lymph Nodes a Sign of Mpox?
Swollen lymph nodes can occur with mpox and may help distinguish it from some other rash illnesses.
However, enlarged lymph nodes alone cannot diagnose mpox.
Other infections can produce similar symptoms.
How Long Does Mpox Last?
Symptoms commonly last around two to four weeks, although duration varies.
People with weakened immune systems may experience longer or more severe illness.
A person with mpox can potentially transmit the virus until the lesions have healed, the scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed.
Follow the isolation and infection-prevention guidance provided by local health authorities or healthcare professionals.
What Other Diseases Can Look Like Mpox?
Not every unexplained rash is mpox.
Other conditions can resemble it, including:
chickenpox
herpes infections
syphilis
scabies
bacterial skin infections
measles
medication-related skin reactions
other sexually transmitted infections
Coinfection is also possible.
Someone with mpox can have another infection at the same time.
This is one reason visual inspection alone may not be enough to confirm the diagnosis.
How Is Mpox Diagnosed?
The preferred laboratory approach is usually PCR testing for monkeypox virus DNA.
Samples are commonly collected directly from skin lesions.
A healthcare professional may swab lesion surfaces, fluid or crust material depending on the presentation and testing protocol.
Testing decisions should follow appropriate clinical and public-health guidance.
If someone has a new unexplained rash, especially after close contact with a person known or suspected to have mpox, they should contact an appropriate healthcare provider or public-health service.
Mpox and HIV
The relationship between mpox and HIV deserves careful attention.
People living with HIV are not automatically expected to develop severe mpox simply because they have HIV.
The greater concern is advanced or poorly controlled HIV-associated immunosuppression.
People with severely weakened immune systems can experience more serious or prolonged mpox and may have a higher risk of complications.
WHO recommends that adults diagnosed with mpox should be offered HIV testing, with testing also considered for children where appropriate.
If you need a basic explanation of HIV transmission, read How HIV Is Transmitted: Facts, Risks and Myths.
People who want to know their HIV status outside traditional facility testing can also read our guide to HIV Self-Testing in Nigeria: How It Works and What to Do After the Result.
An HIV diagnosis should never be assumed simply because someone has mpox.
Testing is what establishes HIV status.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Severe Mpox?
Many people recover without severe complications.
However, higher-risk groups can include:
people with severe immunosuppression
people with advanced or poorly controlled HIV
pregnant people
young children
people with certain significant underlying health conditions
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms should receive medical assessment regardless of whether they belong to a recognised high-risk group.
What Complications Can Mpox Cause?
Possible complications can include:
bacterial infection of skin lesions
dehydration
severe pain
pneumonia
eye involvement
corneal infection and possible vision problems
proctitis, involving painful inflammation of the rectum
difficulty swallowing
neurological complications
sepsis
complications affecting other organs in severe disease
Severe mpox can be life-threatening, although the individual risk varies considerably according to the virus, patient's health and access to care.
How Is Mpox Treated?
One of the biggest corrections to the original 2017 article concerns treatment.
Most uncomplicated cases are managed primarily with supportive care.
This can include:
appropriate pain management
fever management
maintaining hydration
maintaining adequate nutrition
caring for skin lesions
preventing or treating secondary bacterial infections
treating coexisting medical conditions
Some people with severe disease or a high risk of complications may need hospital care or specialist management.
Antiviral medicines have been investigated and may be available under specific national protocols or clinical programmes, but WHO states that there is not yet a proven universally effective antiviral treatment for mpox.
Treatment decisions should therefore be made by qualified healthcare professionals rather than through self-medication.
Is There a Vaccine for Mpox?
Yes.
This is another major change from the original 2017 article.
Vaccines developed using smallpox-related vaccine technology can provide protection against mpox, and mpox vaccination is now used in outbreak response and for people considered at increased risk in some countries and settings.
WHO recommends vaccination as part of a broader public-health response for people at higher risk of infection, particularly during outbreaks.
This does not mean every person in every country currently needs an mpox vaccine.
Eligibility depends on exposure risk, outbreak conditions, national policy, vaccine availability and public-health recommendations.
If you believe you have been exposed to mpox, contact an appropriate healthcare or public-health service rather than trying to obtain vaccination based only on information from social media.
Does the Routine Childhood Immunization Schedule Include Mpox Vaccine?
Mpox vaccination should not be confused with the vaccines routinely given to Nigerian children.
Nigeria's routine childhood vaccination programme protects against multiple vaccine-preventable diseases, but parents should follow the official Nigerian routine immunization schedule rather than assuming that every outbreak-related vaccine forms part of routine childhood vaccination.
Our Nigeria Childhood Immunization Schedule guide explains the routine vaccines and timing recommended for children.
How Can Mpox Be Prevented?
Prevention focuses largely on reducing exposure to the virus.
Avoid Close Contact With Suspected or Confirmed Cases
Avoid direct skin contact with lesions or scabs.
Where possible, someone with mpox should follow healthcare or public-health advice on reducing contact with others until they are no longer infectious.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Do not share items such as towels, clothing or bedding with someone who has mpox.
Items used by an infected person should be handled and cleaned according to appropriate infection-prevention guidance.
Reduce Risk During Sexual Contact
Because intimate contact can transmit mpox, people should be aware of new or unexplained lesions in themselves or their partners.
Avoid sexual or intimate skin-to-skin contact when mpox is suspected until appropriate medical assessment has occurred.
Condoms remain important for reducing the transmission risk of several sexually transmitted infections.
However, condoms cannot completely prevent mpox transmission because lesions may occur on skin that a condom does not cover.
Use Appropriate Infection Prevention When Caring for Someone
Caregivers and healthcare workers should follow recommended infection-prevention practices when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed mpox.
This may involve gloves, appropriate protective equipment, hand hygiene and careful handling of contaminated materials depending on the setting and exposure.
Reduce Risk From Animals
Avoid direct contact with animals that are sick or found dead unexpectedly in areas where animal-to-human transmission is a concern.
Food of animal origin should be handled and cooked appropriately.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Mpox?
If you develop a new unexplained rash or lesions, particularly after close contact with someone who has mpox:
Avoid close skin-to-skin and intimate contact with other people.
Avoid scratching or unnecessarily touching lesions.
Do not share towels, bedding or clothing.
Contact a healthcare provider or appropriate public-health service.
Follow instructions about testing and isolation.
Tell the healthcare professional about relevant close contact, sexual exposure, travel or animal exposure.
Providing accurate information helps clinicians assess your risk and arrange appropriate testing.
Should Someone With Mpox Be Stigmatised?
No.
Stigma makes outbreak control harder.
When people fear judgement because of their symptoms, relationships, sexual behaviour or HIV status, they may delay testing and avoid healthcare.
Mpox can spread through several forms of close contact and can affect people of different ages, sexes and backgrounds.
Public-health communication should focus on behaviour and exposure, not labels attached to particular communities.
Mpox in Nigeria
Mpox deserves particular attention in Nigeria because the country has experienced recurrent transmission since the major outbreak that began in 2017.
Nigeria also contributed important evidence to global understanding of the disease.
Research from the Nigerian 2022 outbreak showed that adult cases involved both sexual and nonsexual close contact, while close contact and animal exposure were important among affected children.
Nigeria's experience demonstrates why mpox surveillance cannot rely on a single stereotype about who becomes infected or how the virus spreads.
Healthcare workers need to recognise possible cases.
Communities need accurate information.
Laboratory confirmation and contact investigation remain important parts of outbreak control.
And people with symptoms need to be able to seek care without stigma.
Is Mpox Still a Global Health Concern?
Yes.
Mpox did not disappear after the international attention surrounding the 2022 outbreak.
WHO continued publishing global mpox situation reports in 2026, reflecting ongoing transmission and outbreaks involving different viral clades.
For readers, this does not mean that everyone should be afraid of mpox.
It means health authorities continue to monitor the disease and that health information about mpox needs to remain current rather than relying on what was known in 2017.
Common Mpox Myths
Myth: Mpox comes mainly from monkeys.
Fact: The virus was first identified in research monkeys, which gave the disease its original name, but monkeys are not established as the natural reservoir.
Myth: Only men who have sex with men can get mpox.
Fact: Anyone exposed to monkeypox virus can become infected. Sexual networks played an important role in parts of the 2022 global outbreak, but sexual contact is not the only route of transmission.
Myth: Mpox is always sexually transmitted.
Fact: No. It can spread through several forms of close physical contact, contaminated materials and animal exposure.
Myth: Mpox spreads easily through the air like measles.
Fact: Mpox can involve respiratory exposure during close face-to-face interaction, but its transmission pattern differs substantially from highly airborne diseases such as measles.
Myth: There is no vaccine for mpox.
Fact: Vaccines are available and used for selected people and outbreak-response situations according to public-health recommendations.
Myth: Everyone with mpox needs antiviral medication.
Fact: Many cases are managed with supportive care. Treatment depends on illness severity, complications and individual risk.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Seek medical assessment if you develop:
a new unexplained rash or skin lesions
lesions after known close contact with someone with mpox
painful genital or anal lesions
significant fever or other symptoms with a suspicious rash
symptoms following a relevant animal exposure
Seek urgent medical attention for serious symptoms such as:
difficulty breathing
severe dehydration
confusion
serious eye pain or eye involvement
rapidly worsening illness
severe uncontrolled pain
People who are pregnant, significantly immunocompromised or caring for a young child with suspected mpox should seek professional guidance promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mpox the same as monkeypox?
Yes. Mpox is the preferred current name for the disease previously widely called monkeypox.
Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection?
Mpox can spread during sexual contact, but sexual transmission is not the only route. Close skin contact, household contact, contaminated materials and animal exposure can also transmit the virus.
Can you get mpox from hugging someone?
Close skin-to-skin contact with an infectious person can transmit mpox, particularly when lesions or affected skin are involved. Risk depends on the nature and duration of contact.
How soon do mpox symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear within days to several weeks after exposure. WHO states that symptoms typically begin within about a week but can appear 1 to 21 days after exposure.
How long does mpox last?
Symptoms often last around two to four weeks, although illness may last longer in people with weakened immune systems.
Can mpox be cured?
Most people recover. Treatment usually focuses on symptom relief, wound care, hydration and preventing complications. Severe or high-risk cases require appropriate medical management.
Can mpox be prevented by vaccination?
Vaccination can reduce the risk of mpox and is used for people considered at increased risk or in outbreak-response situations according to public-health guidance.
Can someone get mpox more than once?
Previous infection probably provides some immune protection, but people should not assume that past infection guarantees permanent protection against all future infection.
Key Takeaways
Mpox is caused by monkeypox virus.
Mpox was previously widely called monkeypox.
It spreads mainly through close contact, including skin-to-skin and sexual contact.
Contaminated materials and infected animals can also transmit the virus.
Symptoms vary, and not everyone develops a widespread rash.
PCR testing of lesion material is commonly used for confirmation.
Most cases are managed with supportive care.
Mpox vaccines now exist and are used for selected people according to risk and public-health policy.
Severe disease is more likely in some vulnerable groups, including people with substantial immune suppression.
Mpox prevention depends on accurate information rather than stigma.
Continue Reading on AnjKreb
For related health information, you may also find these guides useful:
How HIV Is Transmitted: Facts, Risks and Myths
HIV Self-Testing in Nigeria: How It Works and What to Do After the Result
Hepatitis B and C: Symptoms, Testing and Prevention
The Bottom Line
Mpox has changed considerably as a public-health issue since this article was first published in 2017.
We now understand much more about person-to-person transmission, sexual and household exposure, differences in clinical presentation, the relationship with severe immune suppression and the role of vaccination.
But the basic public-health response remains straightforward.
Recognise suspicious symptoms.
Avoid close contact when infection is suspected.
Seek appropriate testing and care.
Protect people at increased risk of severe disease.
And share accurate information without stigmatising people who become infected.
For Nigeria, the experience of repeated mpox outbreaks also reinforces a wider lesson: strong surveillance and early case detection matter long before an infectious disease becomes international news.
References and Further Reading
World Health Organization. Mpox Fact Sheet.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mpox
World Health Organization. Multi-country outbreak of mpox: External situation report #67, 26 June 2026.
https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-mpox--external-situation-report--67---26-june-2026
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Mpox situation reports.
https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/sitreps/?cat=8
Ogoina, D., et al. (2024). Mpox Epidemiology and Risk Factors, Nigeria, 2022. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 30(9).
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/9/24-0135_article
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox.
https://www.cdc.gov/monkeypox/signs-symptoms/index.html
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