How does mpox spread?

Mpox spreads through close, sustained physical contact with someone who has mpox, including intimate or sexual contact, hugging, kissing, or touching mpox lesions. It can also spread through respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact, touching contaminated materials (bedding, towels, clothing), and rarely from pregnant person to fetus.

What does the mpox rash look like?

Mpox rash progresses through stages: flat spots → raised bumps → fluid-filled blisters → pus-filled blisters → scabs. Lesions can be painful and may look like pimples, blisters, or syphilis sores. The 2022 outbreak often showed lesions concentrated on genital/anal areas, mouth, throat, or hands/feet. Rash lasts 2-4 weeks.

Who is at highest risk for mpox?

Higher risk groups include: men who have sex with men (especially those with multiple partners), people with HIV (particularly if CD4 count is low), people who've had close contact with someone with mpox, sex workers, and healthcare workers treating mpox patients without proper PPE.

Is there a vaccine for mpox?

Yes, the JYNNEOS vaccine is FDA-approved for mpox prevention. It's given as 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. The vaccine is recommended for people at high risk of exposure and can be given after known exposure to prevent or reduce severity.

Most people recover without specific treatment with supportive care. For severe cases or immunocompromised people, the antiviral tecovirimat (TPOXX) may be used. Isolation is required until all lesions have healed and new skin has formed (typically 2-4 weeks).

Where are mpox cases occurring now?

After the 2022 global outbreak peak, cases have significantly declined but continue worldwide. The virus remains endemic in parts of Africa where it regularly infects humans through contact with infected animals. Check the live outbreak data above for current mpox activity.

Maine

Mpox in Maine

Mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is a viral disease that causes a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. While endemic in Central and West Africa, it spread globally in 2022, prompting a public health emergency declaration. Track Mpox activity and outbreaks specific to Maine.

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What is Mpox?

Mpox is caused by the mpox virus, related to the smallpox virus but generally less severe. The 2022-2023 global outbreak primarily affected men who have sex with men, though anyone can get mpox through close contact. A vaccine (JYNNEOS) is available for high-risk individuals.

Symptoms

Painful rash with fluid-filled blisters
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever and chills
Headache and muscle aches
Back pain
Exhaustion
Respiratory symptoms
Rectal pain (if lesions present)

Transmission

Spreads through direct contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids; respiratory secretions during prolonged close contact; contaminated items; sexual/intimate contact

Contagious Period: From symptom onset until rash fully healed (2-4 weeks)

Prevention

JYNNEOS vaccine for high-risk individuals
Avoid close contact with infected people
Practice safer sex during outbreaks
Don't share bedding, towels, or clothing
Frequent handwashing
PPE when caring for infected individuals
Isolate if infected until fully healed

Maine Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring Maine

Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Mpox activity across Maine. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.

Get instant push notifications when Mpox activity increases in Maine or your specific county.

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Maine Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Maine, visit your state health department's website.

→ Maine Department of Health → Find Mpox Vaccination Near You → CDC Travel Health Notices

Protecting Yourself in Maine

Whether you live in Maine, are traveling there, or have family in the state, understanding Mpox prevention is essential. Follow these evidence-based prevention measures:

Prevention Measures

JYNNEOS vaccine for high-risk individuals
Avoid close contact with infected people
Practice safer sex during outbreaks
Don't share bedding, towels, or clothing
Frequent handwashing
PPE when caring for infected individuals
Isolate if infected until fully healed

When to Seek Care

If you experience symptoms of Mpox in Maine, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly.

Emergency symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-04

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mpox answered by our epidemiology team

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