Mpox

Learn about mpox and how to protect yourself and others with the following resources. For ongoing updates, please visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

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Mpox is a viral illness that spreads primarily through close, often intimate, contact. Vaccines are available to help protect against mpox, and two doses are recommended for the best protection.

Since May 2022, there has been a global outbreak affecting countries where mpox is not typically seen. Anyone can get or spread mpox regardless of their sexual orientation or activity.

The Boston Public Health Commission is offering free mpox vaccines at events around Boston. Residents who may be exposed to mpox are encouraged to attend one of those events, contact their healthcare provider, or visit a local pharmacy to receive an mpox vaccine.

Contact the Mayor’s Health Line for free, confidential, multilingual health information and referral services at 617-534-5050. The Mayor’s Health Line helps all residents regardless of immigration status.

Questions? Contact us:
info@bphc.org
617-534-5050
1010 Massachusetts Ave.

Boston, MA 02118

Get Your Mpox Vaccine

Find a Clinic Near You

How to Prevent mpox

Getting vaccinated against mpox can help protect you from getting sick if you are exposed. Vaccination is most effective if it is received before a person is exposed to mpox. However, getting vaccinated up to 2 weeks after an exposure can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Learn more about vaccination locations and eligibility.

Talk with your partner(s) about any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) you or they may be living with, getting tested, and getting vaccinated against mpox. Check in with each other about new or unexplained sores or rashes on your bodies, as well as recent illnesses.

Use a new barrier method (like a condom or dental dam) every time for each sexual act, partner, and when switching between oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Mpox can spread through skin contact, including rashes or sores anywhere on the body even in places not covered by condoms or dental dams.

Condoms made from “natural” materials (such as lambskin) can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against STIs. For STI protection, use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Check the product label to confirm what type of condom you’re using.

Avoid physical and sexual contact, like touching or kissing, with anyone who has a new rash or sores or who feels ill.

Minimize skin-to-skin contact when attending large events or parties.

Avoid sharing items such as towels, clothing, linens, or sex toys with others, especially if they feel ill. Wash these items regularly.

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, follow cleaning instructions for toys and check for damage, and use condoms on toys.

Get tested regularly: Getting tested for STIs is important to stop the spread and get treatment if needed.

Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex.

Testing

Testing for mpox usually involves a simple swap of the rash or sore. If you think you have mpox or have had close personal contact with someone who has mpox, talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested or vaccinated.

If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

There is low cost and free confidential testing available at clinics throughout Boston.

Learn More

If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your health insurance, you can still get tested. Call your healthcare provider to confirm the schedule. For additional information on locations, visit www.helpsteps.com
If you are a Boston Public High School student, your school may have a School-Based Health Center or Health Resource Center. According to Massachusetts State Law, if you are 13 or older you can get a confidential STI test without your parents' permission.

Symptoms of Mpox

The most common symptom of mpox infection is a rash that looks like raised bumps, pimples, or fluid-filled sores. The rash can be painful and sores can vary from a few to many. They can appear anywhere on the face, arms, feet, and body, including the genitals or anus, and can be confused with syphilis, herpes, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Eventually, the bumps crust, scab over and fall off. An infected person is considered contagious until these scabs fall off and a layer of fresh, new skin develops. Most people fully recover after 2-4 weeks.

People can also develop the following “flu-like” symptoms before or around the time of rash onset:

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches

Backache

Swollen lymph nodes

General feeling of discomfort and exhaustion

Frequently Asked Questions

How is mpox treated?

There are several treatment options to improve the symptoms of mpox, including antiviral treatment and supportive care.

Residents infected with mpox should contact their healthcare provider about what specific treatment options are available and best for you.

How does mpox spread?

Mpox is most commonly spread through close and sustained intimate contact, including:

Direct skin-to-skin or skin-to-mouth contact with mpox rash, sores, or scabs

Sexual contact

Touching, hugging, massaging, kissing

Prolonged face to face contact with respiratory droplets from a person with mpox (less common)

Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta

Animal to human transmission is also possible (ex. by being scratched or bitten by the animal or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal).

A person with mpox is considered infectious from the beginning of symptoms until sores have crusted, scabbed over, fallen off, and a fresh layer of healthy skin has formed underneath. This can often take several weeks.

What is being done to stop the spread?

Our priority is to raise awareness among our residents, communities, and healthcare partners about mpox virus symptoms, treatment, and vaccination. This is important because:

Knowing the symptoms can help identify potential infection early, remind people to stay away from others, and to seek care and treatment from a healthcare provider.
Public health authorities and medical providers can identify cases early and notify close contacts and those who may have been exposed to mpox so they can be vaccinated to prevent infection.
Individuals who are eligible to get vaccinated for mpox can get vaccinated to protect themselves from getting mpox. Learn more about vaccine eligibility and information.

What to do if I think I might have mpox?

Call your healthcare provider.

Stay home and away from others.

Avoid gatherings, especially if there will be close or skin-to-skin contact.

Avoid sex and intimacy until you have visited a healthcare provider and received guidance.

When you visit a healthcare provider, call beforehand, cover your lesions and wear a mask if possible.

Do you or your partner have (or think you might have) mpox?

Talk to a healthcare provider if you think you may have mpox or may have been exposed. The following can lower the chance of spreading the virus:

Have virtual sex with no in-person contact.

Masturbate together.

Have sex with your clothes on, or cover areas where there are rashes or sores, to avoid skin-to-skin contact.

Avoid kissing.

Wash your hands, fetish gear, sex toys and any fabrics (bedding, towels, clothing) after having sex.

Limit your partners to avoid chances for mpox to spread.

Are you caring for someone with mpox?

Wear a mask and gloves when you are close to them or touching their bedding, clothing, or linens.
Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Practice physical distancing when possible.
People who work in healthcare, such as providers and support staff who may be in contact with people with mpox and their linens or items, should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid exposure.

You can protect yourself and others from getting mpox.