Clade I Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Neighboring Countries – Level 2 – Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions – Travel Health Notices | Travelers’ Health

Mpox is a disease caused by infection with Monkeypox virus. Mpox is endemic in forested areas of Central and West Africa.

There are two types of Monkeypox virus. Historically, clade I has been associated with a higher percentage of people with mpox developing severe illness or dying, compared to clade II. 

People usually get mpox through contact with the skin lesions or bodily fluids of infected wild animals in Africa (alive or dead) or humans, including respiratory secretions, or through contact with materials contaminated with the virus such as bedding clothing, and sex toys. Transmission also occurs through intimate or close contact, including sex, with an infected person.

Symptoms often include fever (≥100.4°F), rash, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Fever is not always present. 

There is a vaccine available for mpox in the U.S. for those with certain risk factors.