Understanding and Managing Mpox (Monkeypox)

5. Signs and symptoms

Mpox has a long incubation period. It can take up to three weeks after exposure for symptoms to appear, though they can start in as little as four days. The first signs of infection are a general feeling of being unwell, followed by headaches, muscle aches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms. A few days later, a reddish rash forms and painful sores can appear over the next week or so. The rash usually appears on the face first, but if the person acquired the virus from sexual contact, it might begin on or near the genitals. The rash dries up after a week or two. Most mpox infections last between two and four weeks, and individuals are considered non-infectious when the sores have healed and scabs have fallen off. In severe cases, complications can include pneumonia, eye and skin infections, and confusion.