Mpox in Children: What You Need to Know

• In 2025, there are still many cases of mpox in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and nearby countries. 
• Over 90,000 cases have been reported in Africa this year, and hundreds of people have died. 
• Some cases have been found in travelers outside Africa, but there is no major outbreak in the United States. 
• The World Health Organization (WHO) says mpox is no longer a global emergency, but it is still a serious health concern.

• The main risk is if a child lives in the same home as someone who has mpox. 
• In the U.S., mpox in children is very rare. 

• For most kids in schools, daycares, or the community, the risk is very low.
• In parts of Africa, many mpox cases are in children, and sadly, some children have died. 

Mpox can spread in many ways, including:

• Most common ways children and adolescents get mpox 

• • Animal Contact: Getting the virus from an infected animal, which would only be expected to occur in areas outside of the US where mpox is commonly seen. 

• • Direct Contact: Touching infected skin or body fluids, which is more likely to occur among household contacts. Adolescents are at higher risk from direct contact occurring during sexual activity with someone with mpox. 

• Less common ways children and adolescents get mpox 

• • Contaminated Objects: Touching items or surfaces that have the virus on them. 

• • Close Contact: Being near someone who is infected, especially for a long time. 

• Rare Cases: It can also spread from mother to child during pregnancy or through close contact while breastfeeding. 

 The most common sign is a distinct rash that progresses to fluid-filled (vesicular or pustular) bumps. The rash may be preceded by fever, chills, muscle aches, feeling tired, or swollen lymph nodes. 

In milder cases of mpox, symptoms can be less serious or different, like a small rash that doesn’t spread much or having little to no fever. 

If doctors think someone might have mpox, they usually test by gently swabbing a sore or rash. The test results usually come back in a few days. Talk to your doctor if you think your child may have been around someone with mpox. For more information on testing see the CDC website. 

• Care at Home:  Most treatment helps keep your child comfortable by making sure they drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medicine for pain. If your child has serious symptoms, they may need care in the hospital.
• Antiviral Medicine: In more serious cases, doctors may use a medicine called tecovirimat. It’s safe for adults and children, but young children need to be watched closely while taking it. 

• High-Risk Groups: Right now, mpox vaccine is mainly for people who are at high risk and is given as two shots 4 weeks apart. For kids and teens younger than 18 years, the vaccine can be given after being exposed to mpox, preferably within two weeks after exposure.

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Mpox (Monkeypox) Fact Sheet
  A comprehensive overview of mpox, including symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment.
  WHO Mpox (Monkeypox) Fact Sheet 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Mpox (Monkeypox)
  Information on mpox symptoms, transmission, prevention, and vaccination.
  CDC Mpox Information 

• Mayo Clinic – Monkeypox (Mpox) Overview
  An overview of mpox, including symptoms, causes, and prevention, tailored for patients and the general public.
  Mayo Clinic Mpox (Monkeypox) Overview