Current situation
Mpox in California
The current risk of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to the general public remains low.
CDPH response
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Since 2022, CDPH has worked closely with local health departments and community organizations. This has improved access to mpox vaccines, testing, and treatment for those at highest risk.
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CDPH continues to work with local, state, and federal partners to monitor mpox and prevent outbreaks.
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CDPH is working to help health care providers and the public become familiar with the symptoms and appearance of mpox.
Mpox basics
What is mpox and how do you get it?
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. There are
two types of mpox, clade I and clade II. Both types cause similar symptoms and can be prevented using the same methods.
Mpox mainly spreads through sex or close contact to a person who has mpox infection:
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Sex (oral, anal, or vaginal)
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Intimate physical contact such as cuddling or massages
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Direct skin-to-skin contact with the rash, scabs, or body fluids that touched sores
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Sharing a living space or personal items with someone who has mpox
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Spread from a pregnant person with mpox to the fetus or baby
Casual contact, like one might have in an airplane, office, or store, is unlikely to spread mpox.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
After being exposed to mpox, it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to show. Mpox can start with symptoms such as:
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Fever
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Sore throat
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Low energy
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Body aches
Within about 3 days, a rash or sore(s) develops.
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It can
look like a pimple or blisters and may feel painful or itchy.
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The rash or sore(s) may be located anywhere on the body. This includes the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butt).
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The sores go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. It may leave scarring.
See a health care provider if you have these symptoms.
How do I avoid getting mpox?
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Get vaccinated to protect yourself if you think you or your sex partners may be at risk for mpox. For the most protection, make sure you get both vaccine doses.
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Talk to your sexual partner(s). Ask about recent illnesses, rashes, or recent international travel.
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Mpox symptoms may not be obvious or visible at the time of exposure.
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Having
anonymous and/or multiple sex partners may increase your risk.
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Condoms cannot always prevent mpox since the rash can occur on different parts of the body.
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Do not share items with someone who has an unexplained rash. Avoid sharing items such as:
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Towels or bedding
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Sex toys or fetish gear
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Toothbrushes
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Dishware
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Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). This is especially important after intimate contact.
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Be mindful of mpox symptoms. If you notice any
new rashes or sore(s), avoid intimate contact until you can see a provider for testing.
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Follow international travel recommendations. This may mean getting the
mpox vaccine if you are travelling to
regions where clade I mpox has been spreading.
Who is most affected by mpox?
To date, most mpox infections in California have been among gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and their social networks. Many infections have been associated with sexual or other intimate contact. Activities that may increase your risk of exposure to mpox include:
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Having more than one sex partner
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Group or anonymous sex like at bathhouses or sex clubs
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Having a sex partner who is at risk for mpox exposure
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Traveling to a
country where clade I mpox is spreading
Also, there have been travel-related clade I mpox infections in the U.S. and California. These infections have been among international travelers who were exposed while
traveling in a country where clade I mpox has been spreading. Travel exposure risks may include:
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Intimate or sexual contact
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Getting a massage
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Visiting a home where someone is sick with mpox
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Products or meat from wild animals that naturally carry mpox
Both types of mpox can cause more severe illness in people who have certain health conditions, such as HIV.
I am sexually active. How can I protect myself and my partner(s)?
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Not having sex or close contact if you or your partner(s) have mpox symptoms, such as a new or unexplained rash or sores or feels sick until they see a health care provider.
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Reducing the number of sexual or close contact partners, especially if their recent sexual history is unknown.
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Making a habit of exchanging contact info with any new partner for sexual health follow-up if needed.
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Limiting going to sex or circuit parties or spaces with intimate contact with multiple people.
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Using condoms and gloves during sexual activity:
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Condoms (latex or polyurethane) may protect the mouth, penis, anus, or vagina from exposure to mpox; however, condoms alone may not prevent all exposures to mpox since the rash can occur on other parts of the body.
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Gloves (latex, polyurethane or nitrile) may reduce exposure if inserting fingers or hands into the anus or the vagina. The gloves must cover all exposed skin and be removed carefully to avoid touching the outer surface.
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Not sharing toothbrushes, towels, clothing, bedding, fetish gear, or sex toys.
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Washing hands and all gear, towels, bedding and sex toys thoroughly after use or sex act.
What if I get mpox?
I think I was exposed
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Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop. If you think you have been exposed to mpox and you haven’t already received both vaccine doses, getting the vaccine ASAP (within 14 days) may still provide some protection. Find mpox vaccine near you.
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Watch for symptoms. Be alert for any new symptoms, which can feel like a cold or flu before the rash starts. Sometimes, sores develop in hard-to-see places like inside the mouth or rectum (butt).
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Consider avoiding close or intimate contact with others for 21 days after exposure.
Testing and treatment
See your health care provider if you notice any rash or sores. Ask for mpox testing if you think you may have mpox.
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The test for mpox is a swab of the rash or sore. Most primary care or urgent care clinics can do this testing if requested.
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While uncommon, infections after vaccination are possible. And very rarely, people can get mpox more than once. These infections usually have more mild symptoms.
Talk to your health care provider if you need help with your symptoms.
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Most mpox infections heal with
self-care at home. Your provider may recommend medicines for your symptoms.
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It can take several weeks for the rash to fully heal.
Good skin care can promote healing of the rash (PDF). Avoid touching the rash or sores. This can cause them to spread more around your body or get infected.
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Additional treatments may be needed for people who are very sick with mpox or who are at a higher risk for getting very sick. Talk with your provider.
Prevent spreading mpox to others.
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Isolate from others and pets at home until the rash is healed. If you must be around others, make sure all parts of the rash are covered with clothing, gloves, or bandages. Wear a face mask.
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Clean and disinfect shared areas in the home. The virus can survive for a while on linens, clothing and surfaces like doorknobs and faucet handles. Disinfection is recommended for all areas where you spent time.
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Notify close contacts who may have been exposed. Your local health department can help with anonymous notifications.
For more information, see
What to Expect If You Are Diagnosed with Mpox.
Resources for everyone
Resources for health care providers and public health