Monkeypox (MPX) is rapidly evolving in the U.S. and in California. As of November 25, 2022, there are 5,572 probable and confirmed cases have been identified in California. 

MPX is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPX virus. It has similar symptoms to flu-like illness and smallpox but milder, and MPX is rarely fatal. The MPX symptoms can include one or more of the following: fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. After the appearance of a fever, the patient develops a rash around the body. MPX virus is a member of the orthopoxvirus family, and it can spread when a person is in contact with the virus from infected animals, humans, and materials contaminated with the virus. The virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected sores, scabs, body fluids and face-to-face contact. 

The lesions progress through 5 stages before falling off.
 










For more information visit the California Department of Public Health website: Monkeypox (ca.gov)