Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox (Monkeypox) – Howard Brown Health

Howard Brown Health in Chicago provides compassionate, judgment-free care for community members affected by mpox, offering vaccination, testing, care and support in a welcoming environment. Our providers focus on whole-person wellbeing, ensuring every patient receives clear information, accessible services, and affirming care. 

If you have been exposed to mpox, are showing symptoms of a new or unexplained rash, or would like to learn more about the mpox vaccine, please call us at 773.388.1600 or schedule online for mpox testing or a vaccine appointment.  

What is Mpox (Monkeypox Virus)? 

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare infectious disease that is caused by infection with Monkeypox virus (MPV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus family related to the variola virus that causes smallpox. It can cause a painful rash or sores, sometimes alongside flu-like symptoms. While it is rarely fatal and most people recover, some people can become severely ill, especially individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.  

Mpox is contagious. Anyone can get mpox through close, intimate contact with someone who has symptoms. Current data from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) shows that the mpox virus has been most commonly spread within social networks of gay, bisexual, and same gender–loving men, often through intimate or sexual contact. Mpox risk may be higher for people in these communities who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners.  

Howard Brown Health is committed to providing accurate information, reducing stigma, and offering compassionate care for anyone affected by mpox. If you are concerned someone you know may be showing signs or symptoms of mpox infection, avoid intimate contact with them until they are tested for mpox.  

If you begin to show symptoms of mpox, seek medical care and testing from your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid further exposure to mpox within your community. Howard Brown Health providers are here to offer clear, affirming, judgment-free mpox information that meets everyone where they are in their health journey. Call Howard Brown Health at 773.388.1600 to get answers to your questions about mpox or schedule online for mpox testing or a vaccine appointment.  

Clade I and Clade II 

Our community-based healthcare providers in Chicago understand that mpox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which exists in two main types: Clade I and Clade II. We believe that understanding the differences between these clades is essential for our patients and communities, especially for those who may face increased risk.

Clade I Mpox –

Clade I mpox infection presents more significant challenges and has been linked to higher rates of severe illness, particularly in certain African communities where the mpox virus has long been present. In these regions, we know that transmission can occur through contact with infected animals—such as rodents or primates—through scratches, bites, or handling meat from these creatures. Contact with lesion material, sores, or wounds on infected animals or people can also lead to transmission of mpox.

Although there is international concern, our local public health department team reports no cases of the 2023-2025 Clade I mpox strain in Chicago. Learn more about local public health Clade I mpox exposure here.

Clade II Mpox –

Clade II mpox generally causes milder illness, but we’ve seen an increased pattern of transmission through close or intimate contact. Recent mpox outbreaks have highlighted transmission pathways among gay and bisexual men, especially in community spaces like raves, sex clubs, or commercial sex venues where skin-to-skin contact occurs. Regardless of sexual orientation, anyone can be infected with mpox, and our health care team is here to provide affirming, non-judgmental care that listens first and centers around your needs.

Chicago’s department of public health report that Clade II mpox cases have been recorded in Chicago with the majority of cases of mpox happening in 2022. The 2-dose mpox vaccine has been very effective in reducing the number of outbreaks since then, but risk still exists within our community to spread mpox. To avoid another significant outbreak, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of mpox, how it is spread person to person and when you should be vaccinated.

If you have been exposed to mpox, are showing symptoms of a new or unexplained rash, or would like to learn more about the mpox vaccine, please call us at 773.388.1600 or schedule online for mpox testing or a vaccine appointment.  

Symptoms of Mpox Infection

Mpox symptoms can begin several days to two weeks after exposure to mpox, though in some cases they may take up to 21 days to appear. Mpox can spread from the moment mild symptoms begin until the rash has fully healed and new skin has formed. The healing process usually takes 2–4 weeks but may vary for each person depending on severity. If you are concerned someone you know may be showing signs or symptoms of mpox infection, avoid contact until they are tested for mpox.

Most Common Symptom: Mpox Rash or Sores

Other Symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes or glands
• Flu-like illness that may occur before or alongside the skin rash

Potential Complications

• Proctitis: inflammation of the rectal lining that can cause significant discomfort
• Scarring: lesions may heal with scarring that impacts urination or bowel movements

Testing and Diagnosis

CDPH recommends testing for people experiencing mpox symptoms, such as bumps, rash, or lesions that can be swabbed and sent to a lab for confirmation. There is no at-home test currently available for mpox.

If you think your symptoms may be mpox, seek medical care and testing from your health care provider as soon as possible to avoid further exposure to mpox within your community. Howard Brown Health providers are here to offer affirming, judgment-free care and help you get the testing and support you need. Please call us at 773.388.1600 or schedule online for mpox testing or a vaccine appointment.  

Isolation After a Positive Mpox Test

Once you have been diagnosed with mpox, your health care provider will ask you to isolate at home until all your exposed lesions have fully healed, meaning the scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This process will vary from person to person but typically takes about two to four weeks. Individuals with mpox should contact their healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate to end isolation. Isolation is an important step to reduce the risk of an outbreak within the same family, with a sex partner or among others within your community.

Managing Mpox Symptoms

Most people recover from the mpox virus within two to four weeks, but with supportive care from your Howard Brown Health provider, we can help ease your discomfort. In certain cases, medication can be considered.

Ways to Feel More Comfortable

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Keep sores clean and dry when not bathing
• Avoid touching or scratching the rash
• Use oral antihistamines or soothing ointments (like calamine or petroleum jelly) for itching
• Talk to a provider if you have pain in the mouth, genitals, or anus, or if you experience nausea, diarrhea, or trouble urinating or defecating

Because mpox can occur alongside other STIs, your provider may also test and treat you for infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or HIV. Howard Brown Health is here to offer compassionate, judgment-free care every step of the way.

Preventing the Spread of Mpox

Mpox spreads through close contact with someone who has symptoms, such as mpox lesions. To prevent mpox from spreading, ask your caregiver to wear personal protective equipment while caring for you.

Transmission can happen in several ways, including:

Direct Contact

• Touching a rash, lesions, scabs, or body fluids from someone who has mpox
• Contact with clothing, linens, towels, or surfaces that have been contaminated

Respiratory Exposure

• Breathing in respiratory droplets during prolonged, face-to-face contact
• Intimate physical contact such as kissing, cuddling, or sexual activity

Intimate or Sexual Activity

• Oral, anal, or vaginal sex
• Hugging, kissing, close dancing, or cuddling
• Contact with bedding, towels, sex toys or other items used during or after intimate activity

Less Common Routes

• Transmission from pregnant women to their fetus through the placenta
• Exposure to infected animals through bites, scratches, or handling or preparing contaminated meat

At this time, it is not known whether mpox spreads through semen or vaginal fluids.

How Long Someone Is Contagious

• An infected person with mpox can spread the viral disease from the time symptoms begin until all sores have healed and new skin has formed
• This healing process typically takes two to four weeks, but can vary from person to person

How to Reduce Your Risk of Mpox

Mpox Vaccine

• Get vaccinated if you’re eligible, and complete both doses (second dose after 28 days).

Howard Brown Health can answer all of your questions. Please call us at 773.388.1600 or schedule online for mpox testing or a vaccine appointment.  

Avoid Close Contact When Possible

• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has a rash that could be mpox.
• Don’t touch mpox lesions or rashes, scabs, or body fluids.
• Avoid kissing, cuddling, or sex with someone who has symptoms.
• Don’t share bedding, towels, clothing, food, drinks, or utensils.
• Clean hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.

If You or Your Partner Are Sick

• Avoid sex or close physical contact until you’ve spoken with a healthcare provider.
• If you choose to be intimate:
  • Avoid kissing and face-to-face contact
  • Cover all sores with clothing or bandages
  • Wash hands, sex toys, and bedding before and after

Assess Your Risk at Events

• Being sexually active with multiple or anonymous partners increase exposure risk.
• Events where people have less clothing—like clubs, raves, saunas, or sex parties—may also raise the likelihood of close contact.

Howard Brown Health is here to support harm reduction and help you make informed decisions that keep you, your loved ones and your community safer.

Howard Brown Health can answer all of your questions. Please call us at 773.388.1600 or schedule online for mpox testing or a vaccine appointment.