Mpox

Stigmatizing people because of a disease is never ok. Anyone can get or pass on mpox. Together, we can end this outbreak. 

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection spreading in many countries. Refugees, internally displaced people, and migrants in camps face higher mpox risks due to crowded conditions, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare. To control outbreaks, tailored responses are necessary. 

What you need to know

  • WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern 
  • Mpox is preventable
  • Most people recover fully, but some people can get seriously ill
  • Symptoms can be uncomfortable and painful
  • While mpox can affect anyone
  • What we know about the outbreak is changing fast – we are learning more every day 

Common symptoms of mpox

  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headache
  • Muscle and back aches
  • Low energy

You can catch mpox through close contact with someone who has symptoms

Mpox can spread through close person-to-person contact, including touching, kissing, and oral, vaginal and anal sex. You can also catch mpox from contaminated bedding, towels, surfaces or objects.   

Protect yourself from mpox

  • If someone you know is diagnosed with or has suspected mpox, avoid close contact with them 
  • Know the symptoms and check yourself regularly 
  • If you have symptoms, seek health advice and self-isolate while you wait to get tested 
  • Get vaccinated if its available to you 
  • Follow advice to reduce the risk of infection if you live with someone who has mpox 

Who is most at risk?

  • Children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems, including people living with HIV that is not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from mpox.   
  • Refugees and displaced persons may be at higher risk due to poor living conditions in the camp/settlements, lack of isolation spaces and lack of sanitation services and face barriers to health information and services   

Mpox can spread through sex

  • People who have sex with multiple partners are most at risk 
  • Check yourself regularly for symptoms and ask partners to do the same 
  • If mpox is impacting your community, you can reduce your risk by reducing your number of sexual partners, waiting for a while before having sex with any new partners or taking a break from sex 
  • Have open, non-judgmental conversations. Swap contact details with sexual partners and agree to let each other know if you develop symptoms 
  • Condoms will prevent some STIs. They may also reduce your risk of exposure to mpox, but they will not prevent you becoming infected through close physical contact 

If you think you have mpox

  • Get advice from a health worker 
  • Get tested 
  • Isolate at home if your health worker recommends you do so 
  • Take care of your rash, physical and mental health 
  • Protect others by avoiding close contact with them 
  • If you are sharing a house with others while isolating, stay in separate rooms if possible
  • Frequently clean hands, clean/disinfect objects and surfaces
  • Stay hydrated, eat well and get enough sleep
  • Take care of your rash, physical and mental health
  • Protect others by avoiding close contact with them

How do I seek help or treatment?

Governments of each country will implement measures to prevent the spread of mpox.  

If you are feeling unwell and suspect that you are infected with mpox, contact the nearest health facility, village health team, or Ministry of Health for help. 

UNHCR has limited capacity to provide individual support, but you can visit the specific HELP website of the country where you are residing for more information about access to health facilities in your area. 

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