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Mpox spreading in Texas
The mpox virus is currently spreading in Texas. Texans are encouraged to be informed to protect themselves and others from mpox.
How mpox spreads
Mpox can spread to anyone, most often through close, skin-to-skin contact, as well as:
- Direct, close contact with mpox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with mpox.
- Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), or surfaces that have been used by someone with mpox.
- Contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from someone with mpox.
Mpox symptoms
Mpox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus.
- Symptoms can start with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion.
- After flu-like symptoms, a rash appears that can look like pimples or blisters.
- Mpox can spread from when symptoms start and until the rash has healed and fresh skin has formed, which can take several weeks.
If you have mpox symptoms:
- Contact a doctor or health clinic for treatment
- Avoid direct, close contact that can spread the disease
How to prevent mpox
Take the following 3 steps to prevent getting mpox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that
looks like mpox.
a. Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
b. Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with mpox.
- Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with mpox
has used.
a. Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
b. Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox.
- Wash your hands often.
a. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
Mpox vaccination
Mpox vaccines are available and are being delivered to local health departments and DSHS public health regions across Texas.
- Please contact your local health department to learn more about vaccine availability in your area.
- People with a known or possible exposure to the mpox virus are the highest priority for vaccination.
- Mpox vaccination may protect you from getting sick if given before or soon after your exposure.
Find more information about
mpox vaccination.
Current outbreak
Anyone can get mpox. Most mpox cases in the current outbreak have occurred among men who have sex with men and have been transmitted by sexual or other intimate contact.
Gay or bisexual men who have recently had multiple or anonymous sexual partners are at the highest risk of getting mpox and should take steps to reduce their risk.
Find more information about the current outbreak of mpox in Texas.