Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral illness that causes a distinct rash and flu-like symptoms. This overview covers determining if you need a test, locating a facility, and understanding the diagnostic process.
Identifying Symptoms That Require Testing
A person should seek testing if they develop an unexplained rash or lesions that could be Mpox. The characteristic sign is a skin rash that may appear on or near the genitals or anus, as well as on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth. The rash progresses through several stages, starting as flat spots that turn into raised bumps, then into fluid-filled blisters or pustules, eventually scabbing over and falling off.
The lesions may be painful or itchy, and their appearance can sometimes resemble other conditions, such as chickenpox, syphilis, or herpes. Before or accompanying the rash, individuals may experience more general symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. These non-specific symptoms usually start one to four days before the rash appears, but sometimes the rash is the first or only symptom.
If you have had close, skin-to-skin contact with someone confirmed to have Mpox and you begin to develop symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately. Because symptoms can overlap with other common illnesses, laboratory testing is needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Steps for Locating a Testing Facility
The first step in seeking an Mpox test is to contact a healthcare professional, such as your primary care provider. They will evaluate your symptoms and exposure history to determine if testing is necessary. Inform the staff about your concerns and symptoms before your arrival so they can take appropriate precautions.
If you do not have a regular healthcare provider or cannot get a timely appointment, other options include urgent care centers or local sexual health clinics. Local health departments also serve as a resource for community testing options and can guide you to nearby facilities. Some states and localities maintain public websites or hotlines with information on clinics offering testing.
For individuals who are uninsured or have limited income, public health clinics are a resource. Testing conducted through local or state public health departments is often provided at no cost. Nonprofit organizations focused on infectious disease prevention may also offer free testing services or financial assistance. Call ahead to any potential facility to confirm their testing availability and procedures.
The Sample Collection and Results Process
The confirmed diagnosis of Mpox is achieved through a specialized laboratory technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This testing method is highly sensitive and detects the genetic material (DNA) of the Mpox virus. The preferred sample type for this test is material collected directly from one or more skin lesions.
During collection, a healthcare provider uses a sterile swab to vigorously rub or brush the lesion to collect fluid or crust material. This procedure is necessary to gather enough viral material for accurate detection, and the provider may sample multiple lesions. Since the virus is most concentrated in the lesions, sampling from this location yields the most reliable results.
The collected swab is sent to a commercial or public health laboratory for analysis. Turnaround time for results typically ranges from one to four days, depending on the laboratory’s capacity and workload. Once finalized, results are communicated to you, usually through your healthcare provider or a patient portal.
If the test result is positive, the next steps involve self-isolation to prevent further spread. Isolation is required until all lesions have healed, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath. Your healthcare provider will discuss potential treatment options, such as the antiviral medication tecovirimat (TPOXX) in severe cases. Local public health authorities may also initiate contact tracing.