Mpox in Kids: What Parents Need to Know

Dr. Larry Kociolek, Medical Director of Infection, Prevention and Control and attending physician in Infectious Diseases, answers commonly asked questions about mpox.

What is mpox (formerly monkeypox)? 

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus that leads to a distinctive rash and can sometimes cause severe disease.

What are the symptoms of mpox in kids?

Mpox typically presents with fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash that progresses from small bumps to fluid-filled blisters. While most cases are relatively mild and do not require hospitalization or treatment, some mpox illnesses can be severe, especially those with weakened immune systems or in unborn babies if a mother were to get mpox while pregnant. In certain parts of the world, mpox is transmitted from animals to humans. Once a human is infected, transmission can occur between humans. 

How worried should I be about the current mpox outbreak?

Since November 2023, there’s been a large increase in mpox cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This surge is different from the global outbreak that started in 2022 and spread to the United States. As of August 2024, there have been no cases of mpox in the US related to this recent outbreak.

The risk to children in childcare centers, schools and the general community is very low in the US at this time. Children are at higher risk if they live in the same household as a person with mpox or if they have traveled internationally to areas with mpox.

How does mpox spread?

Mpox can spread between people during any type of close contact including direct contact with mpox skin lesions, shared bedding or clothing, or respiratory secretions. Transmission can occur between the start of symptoms and until all skin lesions heal, which can last 2-4 weeks. Symptoms usually start 1-2 weeks after exposure. Close contact may occur during sexual activity. In this current outbreak, the majority of cases in the US have been related to close contact through sexual activity. However, anyone can get mpox through close contact irrespective of sexual activity. 

How can parents protect their kids from it?

Parents should be familiar with the signs, symptoms and risk factors of mpox. Parents should seek care if they think they themselves may have mpox to prevent parents from transmitting to children. For parents of adolescents, the American Academy of Pediatrics provides advice about how parents can discuss sex at an age-appropriate level. Parents can also engage their pediatrician in these discussions at adolescent well-child visits. Because mpox can be transmitted through close intimate contact that can occur during sexual activity, sexual education generally may reduce an adolescent’s risk of getting mpox.

Is there a mpox vaccine?

Yes, there is a mpox vaccination. 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. Read more about mpox vaccination here.

How can you test for mpox?

If mpox is suspected, doctors will usually test for the mpox virus by swabbing a skin lesion. Results typically come back in a few days. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you think your child might have been exposed.

What should I do if my child has mpox?

Fortunately, mpox tends to be a mild illness in most cases. Most treatment focuses on keeping your child comfortable. Make sure they stay hydrated and treat pain with over-the-counter pain medicine. If complications develop, children may require treatment in the hospital. In more severe cases, doctors might use a medicine called tecovirimat. It’s safe for both adults and children, though it requires careful monitoring in young children.

If a child catches it, parents should take measures to prevent spread to others. The child should remain at home until all lesions have healed, which can take 2-4 weeks. Keeping all skin lesions covered and wearing a mask can also prevent transmission to other people in the home. 

How serious should parents be taking this new infectious disease?

Currently, parents should educate themselves about mpox and be familiar with how to recognize it in themselves and their children and how to prevent it. Parents should be reassured about the relatively low risk children have for mpox at this point in the outbreak. 

Where can I find additional information about mpox? 

Visit Chicago Department of Public Health and CDC.

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