Monkeypox, or mpox, is a rare viral disease. An itchy or painful rash can be a symptom of monkeypox, along with fever and other flu-like symptoms.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, results from the monkeypox virus and is primarily present in certain parts of Africa. However, health officials have reported cases elsewhere in the world, particularly recently.

While mpox is a rare illness, it is important to be aware of the symptoms, especially if a person is planning to travel to areas where the virus is prevalent.

This article looks at itching as a symptom of mpox, other symptoms, and more.

People registering at a monkeypox vaccination site. -1Share on Pinterest
People register at a monkeypox vaccination site in New York, the United States, on July 14, 2022. Michael Nagle/Xinhua via Getty Images.

Mpox can cause a rash that may be itchy and painful.

An mpox rash can affect a person’s:

The rash usually lasts for around 10 days. It typically progresses from raised bumps to fluid-filled blisters and eventually scabs over.

The other main symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, and muscle aches.

Symptoms of mpox usually start within 3 weeks of exposure.

Other than a rash, the most common early symptom is fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as headache, muscle aches, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue.

Some people may also experience a sore throat, runny nose, or cough.

Around 1–5 days after the fever begins, a rash will typically develop that may spread to other body parts from where it began.

The rash may start as small raised bumps that look similar to pimples. As the rash progresses, these bumps may become fluid-filled blisters and eventually scab over. Itching is often present as the rash appears and progresses.

Other symptoms of mpox can include swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, and difficulty breathing in severe cases.

This section looks at some pictures of an mpox rash.

The rash may start as small, raised bumps that resemble pimples that may itch.

As the rash progresses, the bumps may become fluid-filled blisters. A person may only have one or two blisters, which may be clear or contain pus and may be painful to the touch.

The blisters will crust and form scabs, eventually falling off to reveal new skin underneath.

Many different skin conditions can cause itching. As mpox is rare, itchy skin may have a different cause.

Some common examples include:

This is not an exhaustive list, as many other skin conditions can cause itching.

If a person is experiencing persistent or severe itching, it is important to contact a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Other symptoms of mpox can include swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, and a sore throat.

Mpox spreads through droplets when a person with mpox coughs or sneezes. If someone comes into contact with these bodily fluids, they may contract mpox. People can also spread it through materials, such as bedding.

Additionally, individuals can acquire mpox through contact with animals. Bites and scratches from an animal carrying the infection can cause mpox.

If a person experiences any of these symptoms or has come into contact with mpox, they should contact a doctor.

They need to avoid close contact with anyone, including animals until they contact a healthcare professional.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about mpox and itching.

Does monkeypox itch like mosquito bites?

Yes, an mpox rash can be itchy, similar to mosquito bites.

However, while the itch from mosquito bites tends to go away quickly, an mpox rash usually lasts around 10 days.

The intensity of the itching may vary from person to person and may depend on the severity of the rash.

How do you know if a rash is monkeypox?

An mpox rash usually develops following a fever. This is how a person can tell if the rash may be mpox-related.

An mpox rash typically develops around 1–5 days after the fever begins. The rash may spread to other body parts from where it began, such as the face, feet, palms, and groin.

An mpox rash may be itchy and painful and begin as small raised bumps that look similar to pimples.

If a person has had known contact with any individual or animal with mpox and displays symptoms, they may have contracted the illness.

Itching can be a symptom of mpox, a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox but generally less severe. It occurs due to the mpox virus and is primarily found in certain parts of Africa.

The main symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other body parts.

The rash typically progresses from raised bumps to fluid-filled blisters and eventually scabs over.

It is important to seek medical attention if a person thinks they may have mpox.