Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is a rare disease caused by the mpox virus. It can infect humans. Mpox infection is usually mild, and most people recover on their own after a few weeks. However, some people can get very sick and even die.
Learn more about mpox.
You are at risk if you have close contact with someone who has mpox (for example, you live with the person or have sexual contact with them). You may be at a higher risk of getting very sick if:
Mpox spreads through close contact with someone who has mpox. It may also spread if you have contact with bedding, sheets, or clothing that touches the rash and has virus on it. The virus enters the body through broken skin or your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you get the mpox infection while pregnant, you can spread the virus to your unborn baby.
Most people with mpox infection will get a rash or sores which can be on their hands, feet, mouth, and genitals. The rash can last 14 to 28 days.
Early symptoms may include:
You can spread mpox to others from the time your symptoms start until the rash goes away and your skin heals.
Most people can treat their symptoms at home.
The mpox vaccine is a vaccine that protects against orthopoxvirus infections such as mpox and smallpox.
You may be able to get this vaccine if you have a higher risk of being exposed to mpox or you have had contact with someone who has mpox. Call Health Link at 811 to find out if you should get this vaccine.
To prevent mpox from spreading:
