At Prisma Community Care, we believe that good health starts with good information. As we head into the second half of summer and prepare for a busy back-to-school season, it’s a great time to check in on an important public health topic: Mpox. While Mpox is still uncommon in Arizona, health officials continue to monitor cases across the United States, including infections caused by the newer Clade I strain.
The good news? The overall risk to the public remains low. Staying informed, knowing the symptoms, and understanding how to protect yourself can help keep our community healthy.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Mpox?
Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by a virus in the same family as the one that causes smallpox. Although they’re related, Mpox is generally much milder and is rarely fatal.
Most people recover completely within 2 to 4 weeks, but early recognition and appropriate medical care can help reduce the risk of complications and prevent the virus from spreading to others.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms typically develop within three weeks of exposure. Some people experience systemic symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, and body aches before developing a rash, while others may have a rash as their only symptom.
Common symptoms include:
- A rash that may resemble pimples, blisters, or hard bumps that appear on the anogenital region, but can also appear on the arms, legs, chest, back, and rarely around the mouth Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Muscle aches and back pain
- Sore throat, congestion, or cough
The rash progresses through several stages before healing completely. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. The rash can start out as painful and start to itch as the healing process occurs.
How Does Mpox Spread?
Mpox spreads primarily through close, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus, but can also be spread from droplets from respiratory fluids (spit, mucus).
This can happen through:
- Direct contact with an infected person’s rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Intimate or sexual contact
- Hugging or kissing someone with Mpox
- Sharing contaminated bedding, towels, clothing, or personal items that haven’t been properly cleaned
- Prolonged face-to-face exposure to respiratory secretions
- From a pregnant person to their fetus during pregnancy
Although Mpox can spread from infected animals to people, this has not been the primary source of recent U.S. cases.
Is Mpox an STI?
Not exactly. Mpox is often described as sexually transmissible, meaning it can spread during sexual activity because of the close physical contact involved. However, it is not limited to sexual contact.
Any prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Mpox can spread the virus.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has an unexplained rash.
- Don’t share towels, bedding, clothing, or personal items with someone who may have Mpox.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay home and seek medical evaluation if you develop symptoms.
- Get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
Is There a Vaccine?
Yes. The JYNNEOS® vaccine is available to help protect against Mpox. It is given as a two-dose series, with the second dose administered four weeks after the first for the best protection.
The vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk of exposure, including those who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with Mpox or who may be at higher risk because of certain activities or medical conditions.
If you’re unsure whether vaccination is right for you, our healthcare team can help answer your questions.
Is There Treatment?
Most people recover with rest, hydration, and symptom management.
For individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness, healthcare providers may prescribe the antiviral medication tecovirimat (TPOXX) when appropriate.
Because there is no routine cure for Mpox, prevention and early evaluation remain the best strategies.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Mpox?
If you notice a new or unexplained rash—or develop symptoms that concern you—don’t ignore them.
You should:
- Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Avoid close physical contact with others while waiting to be evaluated.
- Avoid contact with pets until you’ve been seen by a healthcare professional.
- Follow your provider’s recommendations if testing is needed.
If you test positive, remain isolated until every lesion has completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
What If You Are Living With HIV?
People living with HIV can safely receive the JYNNEOS vaccine.
Individuals whose HIV is well controlled generally are not considered immunocompromised. However, people living with HIV who are not virally suppressed or have a CD4 count less than 200 may be at increased risk for severe illness and death from Mpox.
If you are living with HIV, be sure your healthcare provider knows all of the medications you’re taking so they can determine the safest treatment plan if needed.
Can Pets Get Mpox?
Mpox can spread between people and animals, but the risk to household pets is currently considered low.
If you have Mpox, it’s still recommended that you avoid close contact with pets until you’ve fully recovered.
How Prisma Community Care Can Help
At Prisma Community Care, we’re committed to helping our community stay healthy through compassionate, affirming, and evidence-based care.
Although we do not currently provide the Mpox vaccine in our clinic, we can:
- Evaluate symptoms and possible exposures
- Order testing when appropriate
- Provide guidance on management and prescriptions when appropriate
- Refer you to local pharmacies and vaccination sites offering the JYNNEOS vaccine (Walgreens Specialty on 2302 N. Central Avenue and Genoa Pharmacy Tempe on 1642 S. Priest Drive)
- Answer your questions about Mpox prevention and vaccination.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to learn more about protecting yourself, our team is here to help.
Contact Prisma Community Care
Phone: (602) 307-5330
Address: 1101 N. Central Ave., Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Learn more here about our services or schedule an appointment.
Stay Informed
Public health recommendations continue to evolve as we learn more about Mpox. For the most up-to-date guidance, we recommend visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), or the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH).
The Bottom Line
While Mpox remains uncommon, awareness is one of the best tools we have for preventing its spread. Recognizing symptoms early, avoiding close contact when you’re sick, practicing good hygiene, and getting vaccinated if you’re eligible all help protect you and our community.
If you have questions about Mpox or think you may have been exposed, Prisma Community Care is here to provide the support and care you deserve.