Key points at a glance
🦠 Easily transmitted
Mpox is mainly transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact and contact with skin lesions.
💉 Vaccination protects
Vaccination offers the best protection and significantly reduces the risk of an outbreak of the disease.
🔥 Painful skin lesions
Typical symptoms include blisters, pustules, sores and scabs, particularly in the genital and anal areas.
🩺 Usually self-healing
Mpox usually clears up on its own within two to four weeks.
What is Mpox / Monkeypox?
Mpox belong to the poxvirus family. The disease is also known as „monkeypox“.
Skin changes are typical. These can include rashes, blisters, pustules, sores and scabs. If Mpox is transmitted during sex, painful skin lesions may develop, particularly in the genital and anal areas.
Vaccination offers the best protection against Mpox.
Mpox: How the virus is transmitted
Mpox is mainly transmitted through close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. This can happen during sex or when cuddling. Skin lesions such as blisters, pustules, sores and scabs are particularly contagious. The fluid from blisters and sores can also contain large numbers of viruses.
Transmission is also possible via objects and textiles. These include, for example, sex toys, clothing, bed linen or towels, if scabs containing the virus are stuck to them.
The virus enters the body primarily via mucous membranes that may be involved during sex. These include the anal region, the penis and the mouth. Mpox can also be transmitted via the skin, for example during sex or through close physical contact such as cuddling.
Mpox: Protection and vaccination
Vaccination offers the best protection against mpox. Whilst it does not provide 100 per cent protection, it can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. Two doses of the vaccine are usually administered 28 days apart. Based on current knowledge, the vaccine also provides protection against the new mpox type 1b.
People living with HIV can also be vaccinated against Mpox if their T-cell count is at least 100.
You can also reduce the risk of transmission by keeping an eye out for any changes in the skin, both on yourself and on others. You should avoid contact with rashes, blisters, sores or scabs wherever possible. You should not share sex toys, such as dildos, with others.
Condoms can reduce the risk of particularly painful symptoms in the genital and anal areas. It is precisely in these areas, as well as in the mouth, that sexual transmission can cause severe discomfort.
Objects and textiles can also play a role. Where possible, avoid contact with items that have been in contact with skin lesions on infected people for a prolonged period. Mpox viruses can remain infectious for a long time outside the body.
Mpox: Symptoms and progression
After infection, the first symptoms can appear very quickly. This can happen as early as the following day. Mpox symptoms usually appear within five to eleven days. However, the incubation period can also last up to three weeks.
Typical symptoms include skin lesions, which can be very painful. These range from patches and nodules to blisters and pustules, and even sores and scabs. They often start on the face, in the genital area or around the anus. The pain can become so severe that hospital treatment is required.
In addition, fever, headaches, muscle or back pain and swollen lymph nodes may occur. These symptoms may precede or accompany the skin changes.
Bacterial infections may also develop on damaged areas of skin. The skin lesions usually heal on their own within two to four weeks. Scars may remain.
Mpox diagnosis: How testing is carried out
Mpox can be diagnosed by taking a swab from skin lesions or by means of a blood test.
If you have typical symptoms or have a specific suspicion, you should get yourself checked out. This applies, for example, if a sexual partner has mentioned anything. Similar skin changes can also occur with syphilis or chickenpox.
Tests are available at clinics specialising in skin and sexually transmitted diseases, gynaecology and urology, amongst others. The costs can be covered by health insurance.
Treating mpox
Mpox usually clears up on its own within two to four weeks. Symptoms such as fever or pain can be treated or alleviated if necessary. In cases of severe pain, hospital treatment may be required.
It is also important to prevent bacterial infections in the affected areas of skin.
If you have been in contact with Mpox, it is still possible to be vaccinated retrospectively. This so-called post-exposure prophylaxis can be administered up to 14 days after exposure. If the vaccination is given within four days, it can prevent the onset of the disease. If the vaccination is given later, it can at least help to prevent a severe course of the disease.
Frequently asked questions
How is Mpox transmitted?
Mpox is primarily transmitted through close and prolonged skin-to-skin contact. Blisters, pustules, sores and scabs are particularly infectious. Sex toys and textiles can also transmit the virus.
What symptoms can occur with Mpox?
Typical symptoms include painful skin lesions such as patches, nodules, blisters, pustules, sores and scabs. Fever, headaches, muscle aches or back pain, as well as swollen lymph nodes, may also occur.
How can I protect myself against Mpox?
Vaccination offers the best protection. It also helps to avoid contact with skin lesions and not to share sex toys.
How is Mpox diagnosed?
Mpox can be diagnosed by taking a swab of the skin lesions or by means of a blood test.
How is Mpox treated?
Mpox usually clears up on its own within two to four weeks. Symptoms such as fever or pain can be treated.
