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About

About Mpox

Signs and Symptoms

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3-17 days.

During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.

The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.

MUSCLE ACHES

AND BACKACHE

HEADACHE

RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS

(E.G., sore throat, nasal, congestion, or cough)

FEVER

CHILLS

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES

EXHAUSTION

Other Symptoms of mpox can include:

Know mpox

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How can I get mpox?

Mpox can be transmitted to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

Direct contact with an mpox rash and scabs from a person with mpox, as well as contact with their saliva, upper respiratory secretions (snot, mucus), and areas around the anus, rectum, or vagina

This direct contact can happen during intimate contact, including:

Oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus of a person with mpox
Hugging, massage, and kissing
Prolonged face-to-face contact

Submit Mpox Community Health Ticket

Community Health Workers, public health departments and community advocates alike are encouraged to file an “Mpox Community Health Ticket” and access a comprehensive digital tool kit of flyers, social media posts and Mpox public service media.

Submit Form

New Mpox Texting Programs Help You Find Resources in Illinois!

Now Illinois residents can sign up for location-based text messages which will include alerts about vaccination locations, appointment reminders, symptoms, and important messages from healthcare providers. This service is available in both English and Spanish.