With news of more mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases spreading in Africa, you may be nervous about having to worry about another virus your kids could get.
"At this time, the risk of getting mpox is very low," says Jeffrey Kahn, M.D., Director of Infectious Disease at Children's Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern. "However, it's good for everyone to be aware of the signs of mpox so they can seek medical attention if necessary and help contain the spread."
Learn what we know about the mpox virus and ways to keep your family healthy.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a rare and contagious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus is from the same family of viruses as the smallpox virus, which was eradicated in 1980.
Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 and the majority of cases have occurred in African countries. The U.S. has had two outbreaks of mpox – one in 2003 and one in 2022. In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency due to the spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the potential for significant spread to other African countries.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been tracking the number of mpox cases in the U.S. and globally since the 2022 outbreak.
How do you get mpox?
You can get mpox through close physical contact with an infected person. Unlike COVID‑19, mpox does not spread easily through respiratory droplets in the air.
Instead, mpox spreads through direct contact with:
- An infectious rash
- Infected scabs
- Body fluids (including saliva, semen and vaginal fluids)
- Items that touched an infectious rash or body fluids (like towels, sheets or clothes)
Pregnant people can also spread the mpox virus to their baby through the placenta.
Can children get mpox?
Most mpox infections occur in adults. But, in rare cases, children can get mpox.
If a child does get mpox, they have a higher chance of getting very sick from it than teens and adults do. And that’s why it’s important to talk to your child’s doctor if you’re concerned about any symptoms.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
According to the CDC, symptoms of mpox can include:
- A rash that can look like pimples or blisters that may scab over
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Other people only experience a rash. The rash typically lasts longer than 14 days.
A rash from mpox may appear on:
- Your face
- Inside the mouth
- Hands or feet
- The chest
- Around the groin area
While many pictures of mpox show severe rash, Dr. Kahn warns that the symptoms are not always that obvious. "Classic images of mpox and smallpox often show hundreds of blisters and sores, but that's not always the case," says Dr. Kahn. “Sometimes it may just be a few. That's why it's important to pay attention to any symptoms."
When should I consider testing my child for mpox?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child should be tested for mpox if they have a suspicious rash. Testing is especially important if your child has been in close contact with someone who has or may have mpox – or with someone who has traveled to a country with a higher number of cases of mpox.
How can you prevent mpox?
The best way to prevent mpox is to:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that may be mpox
- Avoid contact with bedding, towels or clothing of someone who has symptoms of mpox
"Most children who get mpox will get it from someone in their family or home," says Dr. Kahn. "Do not have your child in close contact with family members or friends who have any signs of mpox, such as unusual skin rashes."
Proper hand washing is also something all parents can teach their child to reduce their risk of getting sick.
Is there a vaccine available to prevent mpox?
Yes, there is a vaccine available to prevent mpox. However, the vaccine is only recommended for people who’ve been exposed to mpox – or who are at high risk for being exposed.
Learn more
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