Does mpox cause fever?

Mpox may begin with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness or swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash or lesions. Some people have a mild illness or do not develop every symptom. Fever also has many other causes, so it does not identify mpox by itself. A clinician may ask about close skin-to-skin contact, travel, symptoms and the appearance or location of any lesions before recommending testing or treatment.

If mpox is possible, contact a healthcare professional before visiting in person and follow instructions about isolation. Avoid skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, shared bedding, towels and personal items until you have medical guidance. Keep any lesions clean and covered if advised, wash hands regularly and drink fluids. Do not scratch lesions or share fever medicines; ask a clinician or pharmacist which option is suitable for your health needs.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, confusion, severe dehydration, severe pain, eye involvement, rapidly worsening lesions or difficulty passing urine. Arrange prompt assessment for fever with a new unexplained rash, painful lesions, swollen glands or a known close exposure. Tell the service about possible mpox before arrival so precautions can be arranged.

Ask whether you need testing, how to protect people at home, how to care for lesions, which pain or fever treatment is appropriate, and how long to avoid close contact.