Anyone who has been in close personal contact with someone who has mpox is at risk. Take the following three steps to prevent getting mpox:
- Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox.
- Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with mpox.
- 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.
- Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with mpox.
- Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels or clothing of a person with mpox.
- Wash your hands often.
- 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.
The following links provide additional guidance on prevention in various settings:
Mpox symptoms vary, but most individuals with the disease display a rash. The rash may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.
- The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
- The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of mpox can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Exhaustion
- Muscle aches and backache
- Headache
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion or cough)
You may experience all or only a few symptoms
- Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash.
- Some people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms.
- Others only experience a rash.
Local testing and vaccination guidelines vary by location. Please refer to the guidelines for your local health department to determine eligibility and criteria for testing and vaccination.
Mpox typically lasts 2-4 weeks. To help prevent the spread of the disease, below is information that should prove useful.
Dealing with any type of disease can take its toll on individuals. If you need counseling or other means of anxiety relief, please refer to the following services:
Students
Contact a counselor for assistance.
Employees
If you are a Dallas College employee, you can use the Employee Assistance Program to access counseling services.
General resources available to students and employees include: