HIV/AIDS Glossary

A disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. The mpox virus can be spread from person-to-person through close or sexual contact with someone who is infected with the mpox virus or through mother-to-child 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 infection 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 disease. Mpox disproportionately affects people with HIV. People with HIV who are significantly immunocompromised are at increased risk of severe mpox and death if they get the mpox virus.