Testing & Treatment
Mpox

Presently, testing for mpox is only necessary if you have a rash that looks like mpox. Call your doctor's office or hospital ahead of your visit to inform them of your concerns regarding mpox. If you do not have a regular provider, call 2-1-1 for assistance. In addition, people that have developed a rash can access services at Public Health's Sexual Health Clinic.

Your healthcare provider will examine you to see if testing for mpox is needed. There is no test for individuals who do not have symptoms.

If your healthcare provider decides to test for mpox, they will collect a swab from your sores and send it to a laboratory for testing. Typically, results are available within a few days. While waiting, try to avoid close physical contact with others so you do not spread mpox.

There are over-the-counter and prescription medications your provider may prescribe to you to address your symptoms, such as pain medications or anti-itching medications.

To aid in recovery, consider the following measures:

• Stay Hydrated: Ensure adequate intake of water and other clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep sores clean and dry when not bathing to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
• Avoid Touching the Rash: Avoid touching or scratching the rash, as doing so can make it spread and can increase the risk of it getting infected with bacteria on your skin.
• Itch Management: Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine, or hydroxyzine can help. Alternatively, use topical ointments such as calamine lotion or petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

Consult your healthcare provider for treatment options if you are having discomfort in the mouth, genital region, or butt, along with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty urinating or defecating.

• Mouth Sores: Options may include oral rinses, gels, or mouthwashes to alleviate pain and promote healing.
• Genital and Anal Sores: Warm sitz baths and topical pain-relief gels or creams can provide relief. Immediate medical attention is necessary if experiencing certain symptoms like blood in urine or stool.
• Proctitis: Stool softeners, warm sitz baths, and over-the-counter pain medications can help manage symptoms. Seek medical assistance if you are unable to pass a bowel movement or if you have blood in your stool.
• Nausea/Vomiting: Prescription medications can assist in controlling nausea.
• Diarrhea: Focus on fluid and electrolyte replacement. Avoid over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications without medical advice.
• Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics may be prescribed as needed.

Given the potential co-infection of Mpox with other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV, your healthcare provider may evaluate and treat you for these infections as well.

Antiviral medication: Many individuals with Mpox recover within 2 to 4 weeks without anti-viral medications. Persons with severe Mpox symptoms, or those at risk for complications (including people with advanced HIV, and people with skin disorders) may need an anti-viral medication called Tecovirimat (TPOXX).

TPOXX is also available at certain pharmacies and through LAC DPH. Healthcare providers are encouraged to call LAC DPH anytime if they need assistance finding a pharmacy with TPOXX.

When to Isolate:

• Isolate at home if Mpox is suspected until a doctor has ruled it out.
• Continue isolating if your provider suspects Mpox or has diagnosed you with Mpox with Mpox until your meet the below criteria for resuming limited or normal activities.

While in Isolation:

• Isolate in a private room and avoid close contact with other people and animals in your household. Use a separate bathroom from others in your home if that is possible.
• Avoid visits from anyone who is not essential in your home.
• Take a break from sex and other close personal contacts.
• Avoid shaving areas of the body with lesions as this can lead to the spread of the virus.
• Avoid use of contact lenses to prevent inadvertent infection of the eye.
• Do not share personal items like towels, bedding, dishes, utensils, or eating utensils.
• Use a face mask and cover rash and sores when you are unable to separate from others.
• Wear a condom for 8 weeks after recovering from Mpox.

You can resume activities outside your home if:

• You have been fever-free and free from respiratory symptoms for at least 48 hours without fever-reducing medication.
• No new lesions have appeared for at least 48 hours.
• Any lesions can be fully covered OR any uncovered lesions are fully healed, with scabs fallen off and fresh skin formed.

Returning To Work:

If meeting the above criteria, you can return to in-person work provided it doesn't involve direct physical care or contact, and you're unable to work virtually. Additional requirements may apply per employer or regulatory bodies.

Returning To School:

Children 8 years or older meeting criteria may return to in-person school and other settings, avoiding close physical contact activities. Younger children should wait until meeting the criteria for normal activities.

Resuming Normal Activities:

Resume normal activities when all skin lesions have healed with fresh healthy skin underneath, and any other symptoms, including fever, have been absent for at least 48 hours without fever-reducing medication.

Note about sex:

There may be a risk of passing Mpox to a sex partner even after your skin lesions have healed. This is because the virus may remain in semen and other genital excretions. If you have sex after ending isolation, until we know more, it is recommended that you use condoms for 12 weeks