Mpox (Monkeypox)

How is it transmitted?
Mpox is contagious and is transmitted through close physical contact, and often skin-to-skin contact, such as with an infected person or animal or with material contaminated with the virus. This can include:

• Contact with rash, sores, or scabs from a person with mpox.
• Contact during sex through skin-to-skin and other sexual contact.
• Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels) and surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
• Exposure to respiratory droplets, oral fluids (saliva) through kissing and other face-to-face contact.

People with mpox may continue to spread it to others until the rash is gone, all the scabs have fallen off and the skin is healed. Brief contact without touching is not high risk.

Who is at greatest risk for contracting mpox?
People are at-risk for mpox depending on what they do, not who they are. The virus is spread through close physical contact, often skin-to-skin. Individuals who engage in high-risk behaviors that include skin-to-skin contact will find themselves at greater risk for contracting the virus.

The most at-risk individuals are men or transgender people who have sex with men, but not exclusively. You can find out more here.

Who is at a greater risk for serious complications?
The virus can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, people with advanced or uncontrolled HIV, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children under 8 years of age and people with a history of eczema.

Learn more about mpox (monkeypox)

For general information about mpox, please visit Public Health – Seattle & King County and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reduce your risk and prevent the spread of mpox

There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting and spreading mpox.

• Practice good hygiene.
• Avoid close contact (including sexual contact) with people who are sick or have a rash and their household/contaminated items.
• Decrease the number of sex and intimate contact partners.
• Do not go to places like bathhouses or other public sex venues.
• Avoid gatherings where people wear minimal clothing and have direct, intimate, skin-to-skin contact.
  • For those who attend these events or venues, avoid coming into contact with rashes or sores you see on others and minimize skin-to-skin contact when possible.
• If you attend an event where you will not have skin-to-skin contact, please be mindful of other activities such as kissing, sharing drinks and eating utensils that might increase the risk for spreading mpox.

Vaccination for mpox

Can I get a mpox (monkeypox) vaccination? 
The mpox vaccine is available. The primary vaccine series consists of two doses given four weeks apart.

Please visit the Public Health – Seattle & King County website for more information on eligibility criteria for the mpox vaccine.

Vaccine appointments at UW Medicine
Patients or community members meeting one or more of these criteria are encouraged to call UW Medicine at 877.520.7770 to make an appointment to receive a vaccine.

Visit the Public Health – Seattle & King County website for information on vaccine clinics they may be hosting throughout the area.  

What do I do if I suspect I have mpox? 
If you suspect you have mpox, you should:

• Contact your healthcare provider immediately. 
• Avoid sex or close contact with anyone until evaluated.
• Avoid gatherings.
• Cover any rashes you may have.
• Talk to your close contacts to make them aware. 

Is finding care for mpox an emergency? Should I visit an emergency room if I think I have it? 
Mpox is not typically an emergency and can be managed successfully in a clinic, urgent care or through telemedicine. Do not go to the emergency room if you suspect you have mpox. Emergency room wait times have been long and mpox can be treated in a clinic or urgent care setting. Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you have mpox or have been exposed to someone who has mpox. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can call 877.520.7770, and we can help you find one. A healthcare provider can provide recommendations for your care, including mpox testing, and can help make you an appointment.

Who should get tested for mpox?
Testing is recommended for people who could have come into close contact with someone infected with mpox and/or who have a new unexplained rash, spots, sores or lesions.

Testing appointments at UW Medicine
At UW Medicine, several clinics can provide testing for mpox for patients or community members. People who are not current UW Medicine patients can be tested at one of our urgent care locations or can contact their current healthcare provider directly for more information about their testing options.

Please call 877.520.7770 to make an appointment by phone or click here to book online.

How do healthcare providers test for mpox?
The mpox test involves swabbing in or around a skin lesion. Providers send the swab to a specialized lab to conduct the test.

How long does it take to get UW Medicine mpox test results?
It may take 2 - 4 days to receive your test results. You will receive a phone call with your results if you are positive. Results will also be available via eCare. Please do not call the emergency department or the lab for test results.

What do I do while I wait for my test results?
Actions you should take while you wait for your test results include:

• Do not return to your regular activities, such as going to work, school, church or other public areas.
• Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis if possible. If you must use public transportation, always wear a mask, avoid contact with others and make sure rash is covered.
• Stay separated from others except to get medical care. If you seek care, tell them ahead of time that you are being tested for mpox and wear a mask. Follow the instructions for isolation.

What are the instructions for isolation?

• Stay separate from others except to get medical care. Do not go to work, school, church or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis. If you must use public transportation, always wear a mask, avoid contact with others and make sure rash is covered.
• Keep yourself separate from other people as much as possible. Stay in a separate room or space and away from other people. Stay separated until rash is gone, all the scabs have fallen off and the skin is healed. Use a separate bathroom if possible. If sharing a bathroom, clean the surfaces such as counters, toilet seats and faucets after each use.
• Clean your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use hand sanitization gel.
• Do not share items with other people. This includes sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding. After using these items, wash with soap and water.
• Clean all frequently touched surfaces regularly. This includes counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and bedside tables. Clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe according to the label instructions.
• Avoid contact with pets. If possible, have friends or family members care for pets until you are fully recovered. It is possible to give mpox to pets and there is no animal treatment available. Keep any bandages, clothing, towels and bedding away from pets, other animals and wildlife to prevent mpox transmission.

What do I do if my test is positive or negative?

If your test is positive:
If your test is positive, you have the virus that causes mpox and you can spread it to others. You will be referred to a UW Medicine clinic to discuss treatment and receive a phone call from Public Health. They will ask who your close contacts are and who shares your living space.

The next steps you should take include:

• Continue to separate from others except to get medical care.
• Follow the instructions for isolation.
• Schedule a visit to discuss treatment at 877.520.7770.

If you need to seek health care, call ahead before your visit, and tell them you have tested positive for mpox. Always wear a mask and keep the rash covered.

If your test is negative:
It is unlikely you have mpox. Other infections can cause the same symptoms, and you can discuss these with your provider.

The next steps you should take include:

• Stay separate from others until you are feeling better.
• If your symptoms get worse call your health care provider.

What is the treatment for mpox?

Mpox may be treated using a drug that was developed to treat smallpox. It is called Tecovirimat and is known by the brand name TPOXX.

Treatment available at UW Medicine

At UW Medicine, several clinics can provide treatment for mpox. If you suspect that you have been exposed to the virus, you should contact your healthcare provider who can work with you to determine the best course for your care, including mpox testing and potential treatment. Patients with a confirmed positive mpox test result should contact their primary care provider to discuss next steps.

If you need a general healthcare provider, visit find a provider or call 877.520.5000.

If you are interested in participating in a study available at University of Washington Positive Research (UWPR) at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, text or call 206.773.7129 or email positiveresearch@uw.edu.