HIV/AIDS Glossary

A disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. The mpox virus can be spread from person to person through close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has the mpox virus or through perinatal transmission during pregnancy. The virus can also be transmitted by touching materials that have been used by someone who has mpox. In addition, the mpox virus can spread from infected animals to people through close contact. Signs and symptoms of mpox may include rash or mucosal lesions, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and respiratory symptoms. Most people with mpox, including people with well-controlled HIV, recover without medical treatment; however, some people can develop severe mpox. Mpox disproportionately affects people with HIV. People with HIV who are significantly immunocompromised have a higher likelihood of severe mpox and death if they acquire the mpox virus.