Signs and Symptoms

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Initial symptoms can include:

• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches and backache
• Tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes

For some people, a rash may be their only symptom.

What does the mpox rash look like?

The rash can look like pimples or blisters. It often begins on the genitals or perianal area, or in and around the mouth. In these situations, the mpox rash could be confused with a more common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The rash might develop on just one part of the body or can appear on many parts of the body. These lesions might be painful.

Rash lesions go through different stages, shown in the photographs below, before healing.

Photo credit: UK Health Security Agency

How long does the illness last?

The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks. People with certain conditions may be more likely to develop severe illness. These include people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.