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Mpox FAQs

Is there a vaccine against mpox?

There are three vaccines which were developed against smallpox that are being used to prevent mpox. Their authorisation, indications, guidelines for use and eligibility differ between jurisdictions. Supply is limited. In outbreak situations vaccination may be reserved for people at highest risk, including healthcare workers, household contacts and intimate partners,

  • JYNNEOS also known as Imvamune and Imvanex, is a "third generation" smallpox vaccine which contains a live but weakened virus that cannot multiply in the body. The primary vaccination course requires two doses, given 28 days apart. When used after exposure to mpox, it should be ideally given within 4 days of exposure, but up to 14 days later. In some jurisdictions, the vaccine can be used in children in certain circumstances.
  • LC16 is a "third generation" smallpox vaccine which uses a live but weakened virus. It requires a single dose, has been used in children in the past, and some authorities recommend it as the preferred preparation for children.
  • ACAM2000 is an older "second generation" smallpox vaccine which also contains live weakened but "replicating" virus. There are greater potential risks and side effects compared to the Jynneos preparation.

There are other mpox vaccines in various stages of research and development.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Vaccination is generally provided through designated medical facilities. Eligibility varies from country to country, and is usually limited to people at higher risk of infection, including healthcare workers, household and intimate contacts of infected people. Selected Location Pages of this website provide links to the country's mpox vaccination information.

Are travellers advised to get vaccinated prior to travel to <location>?

People who identify as being in a *risk group are advised to be vaccinated as soon as possible, even if they are not travelling. For those who are in a risk group and plan to travel, vaccination should be received prior to travel. Note that two doses are required, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.  

*In general people at risk of exposure include men who have sex with men, sex workers and their clients, household members of someone infected with mpox, and healthcare workers who look after patients with mpox. Countries that have vaccine available define their vaccine eligibility criteria. 

How effective is the vaccine?

Two doses of the vaccine is effective in preventing many cases of mpox. However no vaccine is 100% protective and people who have been fully vaccinated have still been infected. People who have been vaccinated but get infected are much less likely to have a severe illness.

I had smallpox immunisation as a child / several years ago, does this give me any protection against mpox?

Possibly. Some studies have shown that people who had smallpox vaccine years ago still have some immunity which might provide some protection against severe mpox infection.

How is mpox transmitted?

Human to human transmission can occur in several ways:

  • through close direct contact with the rash or body fluids of an infected person
  • through exposure to virus-contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothing
  • through infected respiratory droplets that people release when they laugh, cough or sneeze. Typically, this occurs during direct and prolonged face-to-face contact with a sick person
  • rarely, through penetrating injury with sharps in healthcare settings. Infection has also occurred after receiving piercings and tattoos, probably in unclean settings and is being investigated further.
  • during pregnancy via the placenta or through close contact during and after birth.

Animal to human transmission can occur through contact with an infected animal, from an animal bite, or contact with its blood or other bodily fluids. Infection can also occur if a person touches the rash on an infected animal's skin - which sometimes happens during food preparation. In some West and Central African countries the mpox virus is found among rodents and non-human primates.

Can I get mpox by being in the same room as someone with mpox?

Being in the same room as someone is not enough on its own to get infected with mpox - infection occurs through direct contact (touching) the rash / blister fluid / body fluids, having exposure to contaminated objects such as bedding and towels, or having prolonged face-to-face contact with someone with mpox.

Is someone with mpox infectious before they have symptoms?

Yes people with mpox can be infectious up to four days before symptoms start, however they are most infectious from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed, all the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed (typically 2-4 weeks).

Is there at test to check if someone who doesn't have any symptoms is infected?

Currently, testing is only recommended if there is a rash consistent with mpox. Laboratory confirmation of mpox is done by testing skin lesion material by PCR. Clinicians collect two swabs from each lesion (generally from 2-3 lesions) in case additional testing, such as clade-specific testing, is needed. In the absence of skin lesions, testing can be done on oropharyngeal, anal, or rectal swabs. Testing blood is not recommended.

How do I protect myself from mpox?

  • Be aware of signs and symptoms of mpox, as well as how it spreads.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are unwell, including skin-to-skin contact and with materials contaminated by them (e.g. towels, bed linen).
  • Observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands well and often.
  • In crowded environments, avoid skin-to-skin contact as much as possible.
  • Prevent sexual transmission. Limit the number of sexual partners. Wear condoms for a further 12 weeks after recovering from a mpox infection. Using condoms reduces the risk of exposure to mpox but does not prevent infection through close physical contact.
  • Vaccination may be recommended for people who are at higher risk of infection. Consult your doctor for an individual recommendation.
  • In areas where mpox is present in wildlife, avoid contact with wild animals. Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before eating.

Should I follow the hygiene measures for COVID?

While mpox and COVID-19 are different diseases, some hygiene measures can help prevent the spread of both.
Here are some key precautions for mpox:

  • Hand hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact - refrain from close contact with individuals who have mpox. If close contact is unavoidable, wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Do not share personal items - don't share bedding, clothing, towels, eating utensils, or cups with someone who has mpox.
  • Disinfection - clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items.

Is wearing a mask useful?

Yes wearing a mask is recommended for:

  • people who have mpox, when they have to come into contact with others (for example their household carer) should wear a face mask.
  • people who are looking after someone with mpox should wear a respirator (N95 or equivalent) when they must be in contact with them, or when they are cleaning contaminated items and areas.

See the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance Mpox Isolation and Infection Control at Home

Who is at higher risk of severe mpox?

  • People who have a weakened immune system, particularly those with untreated or advanced HIV. People undergoing effective HIV treatment are not considered to be at a higher risk of severe mpox compared to the general population.
  • Children
  • Pregnant people and their unborn baby.

Can I catch mpox again if I have been infected before?

There is no clear evidence of mpox immunity following an infection. There have been reports of individuals contracting mpox twice.

Is there a specific treatment for mpox?

Treatment for mpox is typically symptomatic. Antiviral medications to treat mpox are in limited supply. Authorisation, availability and treatment protocols differ from one country to another. Tecovirimat is an antiviral medication that was developed for smallpox. It was licensed by the European Medical Association (EMA) for mpox in 2022. Other potentially beneficial antivirals are cidofovir and brincidofovir. Some locations are using intravenous antibody treatment. Some other locations recommend Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for close contacts of confirmed cases and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for higher risk individuals.

What is the risk of mpox spreading globally?

In 2022 mpox spread internationally to many countries, sparking outbreak in those countries. Reports of international travellers who were infected in one country being diagnosed with mpox after arrival in another country are not unusual. The quicker infected people are diagnosed and measures to prevent them spreading the disease are implemented, including isolation, identification and testing of contacts, the lower the risk of further outbreaks.

Are there travel restrictions for entering / leaving an mpox-affected country?

Currently there are no restrictions for entering or leaving an mpox-affected country. Some countries have implemented enhanced entry screening for people arriving from an mpox-affected country. International SOS is monitoring and provides updates in the News and the Mpox Screening and Travel Restrictions page of this website.

Should I cancel my travel to an mpox-affected country?

The decision to cancel travel is a personal one. There is a small risk that authorities may suddenly impose travel and movement restrictions which will disrupt your travel plans. This unlikely scenario should be factored into your decision. The risk of mpox infection can be low to negligible if hygiene and avoidance measures are followed (washing hands, avoiding skin to skin contact, avoiding direct contact with people infected/ items contaminated with mpox, safer sex), and getting vaccinated if you are eligible.

What should people who have returned from an mpox-affected area do?

Anyone who thinks they may have been directly exposed to mpox should seek medical advice even if they don't have symptoms. They may be eligible for post-exposure vaccination, which is most effective if given within four days of exposure (but is usually recommended up to 14 days after exposure).

Travellers should monitor their health for 21 days and do not need to be in quarantine during this time. If symptoms develop they should seek medical attention.

If someone is suspected / confirmed to have mpox, can International SOS evacuate them?

International SOS is highly experienced in evacuating patients with infectious disease, having safely transported numerous infectious patients around the world.
International SOS has provided aeromedical transportation for confirmed Mpox infected patients by air ambulance.
As such, International SOS has the medical and technical capability to undertake international evacuation of patients with Mpox infection, either under enhanced PPE regimes, or by transporting the patient in a Portable Medical Isolation Unit (PMIU).
There may be an increased lead-time to confirm the feasibility of such evacuations due to variables that are beyond the control of International SOS. These variables include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Availability of aircraft operators with the necessary capability to transport a patient with known or suspected Mpox.
  • The patient may be required to be considered medically transportable in a PMIU.
  • Potential restrictions as to the choice of country destination for air ambulance flights in addition to the choice of medical facility for receiving care.
  • Acceptance of the patient by Health Authorities and other Governmental bodies in the designated receiving country, in addition to the authorization of Health Authorities in the originating country for discharge of the patient.

For patients with other conditions:

  • International SOS is also highly experienced in evacuating patients with various medical conditions and undertakes such movements daily.
  • For patients with analogous symptomatology, additional testing may be required, and if Mpox cannot be excluded, the patient may require the same levels of infection control and permissions as a confirmed case.

International SOS mpox movement capability statement (PDF, 289KB)