Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. This virus can lead to a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. Many people wonder if it is possible to contract mpox more than once.
Understanding Immunity After Infection
When the body encounters a virus like mpox, its immune system mounts a response to fight off the infection. This involves producing antibodies that recognize and neutralize the virus. The immune system also develops memory cells that “remember” the pathogen, enabling a quicker, more effective response upon re-exposure.
This natural immunity generally provides protection against subsequent infections, often leading to milder illness or preventing reinfection entirely. Individuals who have recovered from an initial infection develop neutralizing antibodies against the virus. This immune memory helps the body respond more efficiently to future exposures.
The duration and strength of this natural immunity are still being studied. However, it is thought to reduce the risk of complications if reinfection occurs. People with prior mpox infection who experienced reinfection generally had a shorter disease course with less mucosal disease compared to their initial infection, indicating that immunity can lessen its severity.
The Possibility of Reinfection
Reinfection with mpox is possible, though it appears to be rare. While immunity from a previous mpox infection or vaccination is expected to offer long-term protection, documented cases of reinfection have emerged.
Confirmed reinfection cases are uncommon, representing less than 0.001% of reported mpox cases in some analyses. These instances involve individuals who experienced a second distinct episode of mpox, confirmed by laboratory testing, after their initial symptoms had completely resolved. The time between initial infection and reinfection has varied, with an average onset interval of approximately four months.
Factors such as being severely immunocompromised may increase the risk of persistent or relapsed mpox infections. However, reinfection has also been observed in individuals not reported as immunocompromised. In many reported reinfection cases, the second illness was generally milder than the first, with fewer lesions and less mucosal involvement.
What to Do If You Suspect Reinfection
If you suspect you have been reinfected with mpox, seek medical advice promptly. Symptoms generally include a rash or skin lesions, which can appear on various parts of the body such as the face, mouth, genitals, or anus. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms typically last two to four weeks.
Contact your healthcare provider to get tested and discuss appropriate next steps. A healthcare provider can diagnose mpox by swabbing lesions and sending the samples for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. It is important to inform your provider about any potential exposure and your history of mpox infection.
Even if you have previously had mpox, continue to practice preventative measures, such as avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox. While there is no specific proven treatment for mpox, supportive care can help manage symptoms like pain and itching. In some cases, antiviral medications may be considered for individuals at high risk of severe illness.