How likely is it that this mpox variant will also travel to the Netherlands and spread here?

It is possible that someone will bring the virus from Africa to the Netherlands. This has happened in several European countries. RIVM is working with doctors, Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) and laboratories in the Netherlands to monitor the situation and prevent the virus from continuing to spread. If a person is found to have mpox, they must start self-isolating. The GGD will start source and contact tracing.

Can the new mpox variant also spread through the air?

The mpox virus spreads mainly through direct, close contact. This includes direct skin contact and sexual contact. The virus can also spread through contact with towels, bedding or other materials used by a person who has mpox. It is very unlikely that the virus can also spread through the air.

My child has a skin rash with bumps/blisters. Does my child have mpox?

Children who have a blistering rash usually have chickenpox, especially if that virus is circulating in the child’s environment. Chickenpox is caused by a different virus. There is no need to contact your GP, another doctor or your local Municipal Public Health Service (GGD). Do call your GP or doctor if your child has been in contact with someone who has mpox.

Can a person get mpox more than once?

If you have already had mpox, you will not usually get it a second time. You may still develop a skin rash (including blisters) from direct skin contact with someone who has mpox, and those blisters are contagious. 

Therefore, it is still important to have blisters examined by your GP or the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD). This applies even if you have had mpox before, or are vaccinated. If you test positive for mpox, you must start self-isolating and follow the rules for isolation, and the GGD will start source and contact tracing.

Does mpox occur in animals?

Mpox is a zoonosis: a human infection that originates from animals. In Africa, a number of rodents (squirrels, rats, mice), rabbits and monkeys are the natural hosts of the mpox virus. Rodents often show minimal symptoms from an infection. Monkeys and rabbits can develop respiratory symptoms, eye infections and skin abnormalities, and may also have a fever. Countries in West and Central Africa – such as Nigeria, DR Congo and Ghana – see a few cases of mpox among human patients every year. The virus does not occur naturally in rodents and other animals in Europe. However, animals in Europe may also become infected if they have prolonged close contact with people who have mpox. 

Can pets be infected?

Mpox infection has never been confirmed in cats, cows, pigs, sheep and goats.  However, an infection was detected in a dog. The dog was infected through direct contact with an mpox patient.

Are people with mpox who are self-isolating allowed to have contact with pets and farm animals?

People who are self-isolating due to mpox are advised not to have direct contact with pets (such as dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits and rodents) during that period. You are also advised to avoid contact with farm animals such as cows, goats and pigs. You do not need to avoid contact with poultry (birds). There are currently no indications that the virus could infect other species that are kept as pets, such as birds, reptiles or fish.

Is there a self-test for mpox?

No, there is no self-test for mpox. If you think you might have mpox, contact your GP or the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs).

If source and contact tracing by the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) shows that I might have had contact with someone who has mpox, where should I get tested?

The Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) notifies the contacts of a person infected with the mpox virus and tells them what they should do. People who have had close contact or sexual contact with an infected person can get a vaccination.

When am I contagious, and for how long?

If you are infected, you can be contagious as early as two days before you develop a skin rash or proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum). You will often already have other symptoms by that point, such as a fever. It is likely that the virus is present in sperm and other bodily fluids even before someone develops any symptoms.

Is there a medicine to treat mpox?

No, there is no medicine to treat mpox. The illness usually goes away on its own. There is an antiviral drug that can be used to mitigate symptoms. This drug is prescribed only in special situations, such as for people who have severely impaired immunity. It may also be prescribed for people with serious complications.

Am I already protected against mpox if I was vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine before 1975, in the context of the National Immunisation Programme?

Smallpox vaccines were administered in the Netherlands until 1974. These smallpox vaccines are no longer used, because the virus that causes smallpox (the variola virus) has been eradicated worldwide since 1980. If you only received this old vaccine, you are not sufficiently protected against mpox.

Can I get vaccinated against mpox?

It is currently no longer possible to get an mpox vaccination on your own initiative. However, close contacts and sexual contacts of people with a confirmed mpox infection are offered a vaccination.

Does my mpox vaccination from 2022 or 2023 still provide enough protection?

People vaccinated against mpox in 2022 or 2023 are also protected against the new variant. The vaccine-induced protection will wane over time, but still provides sufficient protection at this point.

I am planning to travel to a country where mpox is prevalent. Can I get vaccinated?

No, that is not possible. Only close contacts and sexual contacts of people with a confirmed mpox infection are offered a vaccination.

What can I do if I am planning to travel to a country where mpox is prevalent?

The Netherlands does not currently have a vaccination against mpox available for travellers. If you are travelling to a country where mpox is prevalent (DR Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda), you can do the following to avoid exposure:

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill or have a skin rash that resembles mpox. This includes cuddling, kissing, direct skin contact and sexual contact.
• Avoid contact with animals. Rodents (squirrels, rats and mice), rabbits and monkeys are especially high-risk for carrying mpox.
• Avoid contact with towels/bedding/clothes used by someone who has mpox.