Risks and Testing

Risks and Testing Icon

Mpox Risks & Testing

Anyone can get and spread mpox; however, it is spread by close contact with someone with mpox. Close contact includes touching skin rashes, bodily fluids, or clothing, linens, or personal items that have been in contact with an infected person. Spread can also occur during prolonged, face-to-face contact. 

Risks for Mpox

Who is at risk?

The highest risk activity is close personal contact, primarily through intimate or sexual activity.  Reducing or avoiding these activities greatly reduces your risk of catching or spreading mpox. 

The CDC has more information about prevention for people who are sexually active, who are at higher risk of exposure. 

If you are at risk of getting mpox, visit VDH's prevention and vaccination website to read more about the vaccines available, who is eligible for the vaccine, and other prevention tips. 

What are the risk levels?

The most risky activities are those where there is direct contact with the infection (for example, touching the rash of an infected person). Most daily activities–such as shopping, traveling, using public transportation, dining out, and going to work–pose a relatively low risk. 

The chart below offers some examples of activities and their risk level.

As with any disease, good health habits like proper handwashing can help reduce the risk and spread of mpox.

Most Risky
Most Risk Icon

  • Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
  • Sexual or intimate contact (condoms do not protect against the spread of mpox)

More Risky
More Risky Icon

  • Kissing, cuddling
  • Dancing at a party inside with non-fully clothed people

Possible Risk
Possible Risk Icon

  • Sharing drinks
  • Sharing a bed, towels, or personal toiletry items
  • Dancing at a party inside with fully clothed people

Unlikely Risk
Unlikely Risk Icon

  • Dancing at a party outside with mostly clothed people
  • Coworker-to-coworker transmission
  • Trying on clothes at a store
  • Touching a doorknob
  • Traveling on a plane or public transit
  • In a swimming pool, hot tub, or public restroom
  • At a grocery store, coffee shop, or gym (via equipment)

How can I lower my risk of mpox?

Vaccination is an important tool to prevent the spread of mpox. If you have not gotten two doses of vaccine yet, consider temporarily reducing or avoiding behaviors that increase risk of mpox exposure. 

The CDC has more information about prevention for people who are sexually active, who are at higher risk of exposure. 

If you are at risk of getting mpox, visit VDH's prevention and vaccination website to read more about the vaccines available, who is eligible for the vaccine, and other prevention tips. 

Is my pet at risk?

Infected animals can spread mpox to people, and it is possible that people who are infected can spread mpox to animals through close contact, including petting, cuddling, hugging, kissing, licking, sharing sleeping areas, and sharing food.

People with mpox should avoid contact with animals, including pets, domestic animals, and wildlife to prevent spreading the virus. More information can be found on the CDC website.

Testing for Mpox

When should I get tested for mpox?

  • If you have a rash that looks like mpox
  • If you had close contact with someone who has mpox and think you have symptoms of mpox

If you think you were exposed to mpox or may be infected with mpox, you should contact your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can examine your symptoms and help decide if a vaccine or test is needed. If you are sick with mpox, they can also help you manage your illness and prescribe medication if you need it. 

Please call ahead before going to a healthcare facility and let them know that you are concerned about mpox. You may be asked screening questions before you are scheduled for your visit.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you have symptoms, you should separate yourself from other people and pets, cover your lesions, and contact your healthcare provider, especially if it is possible you were in a setting or situation within the last month where mpox is known to spread.

If you cannot completely separate yourself from others, you should wear a well-fitting face mask and cover areas where rash or sores are present. CDC has other recommendations for people who have mpox and are isolating at home.

Please call ahead before going to a healthcare facility and let them know that you are concerned about mpox. You may be asked screening questions before you are scheduled for testing.

Where can I get tested?

If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can contact a public health clinic. You can use these resources to find a public health clinic:

How much does testing cost?

The cost of mpox testing depends on where you get it.

  • Testing referrals from a private healthcare provider to a commercial lab or tests done in the hospital may involve a fee.
  • Tests conducted by public health departments are usually free.

Last updated: July 21, 2023

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