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What is mpox?



Mpox is a viral infection. It used to occur mainly in West and Central Africa. There are two types of mpox virus: group 1 and group 2.

In 2022, there was a major outbreak of mpox variant 2b. At that time, there were also many infections in the Netherlands, especially among men who have sex with men.

Since 2023, there have been outbreaks of mpox viruses from group 1 in Central Africa. We still do not know everything about these variants. Outside Africa, only a few infections have been found so far. It seems that the differences in contagiousness and severity are not large. However, we do know that both variants are transmitted through direct contact with someone who has mpox.

Symptoms

With mpox, you often first experience:

  • fever
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • fatigue

These symptoms usually start 5 to 21 days after you become infected. After a few days, a rash may appear on your body and face. The rash starts as spots, which turn into blisters. The blisters later dry out.

Prevention

Mpox spreads through skin-to-skin contact or intimate contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex, with someone who is infected. Avoid contact with people who have symptoms. Do you have symptoms that match mpox? Call your doctor or the GGD. If mpox is confirmed, you must stay in isolation until you are no longer contagious.

Vaccination

The GGD offers vaccinations to prevent mpox. This vaccination is only for people who are at higher risk.

Who can get vaccinated?

  • You can get vaccinated if you are a man or transgender person, have sex with men or transgender people, and one or more of these points apply:
  • You had 10 or more sexual partners in the past 6 months.
  • You have sex in a sex club, sauna, or other sex venue.
  • You participate in group sex or go to sex parties.
  • You sometimes get paid for sex.

Do you use PrEP or have HIV and are regularly tested for hepatitis C? Then you should also get vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated = 2 shots

  • The vaccination consists of 2 shots.
  • Have you already had 1 shot? Request your second shot now.
  • Were you vaccinated against smallpox before 1975? Then 1 shot is enough.
  • Have you already had 2 shots? Then you will not get an extra shot.
  • The vaccine protects from 2 weeks after the second shot.

Contact

Do you have questions about mpox? Ask during your STI consultation. You can also call or email: 088 254 1500 (Mon–Thu 09:00–12:00) and [email protected] (don’t forget to include your phone number in the email).