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Mpox Comparison to COVID-19 and STIs

Download Mpox Comparison to COVID-19 and STIs

Due to many similarities between mpox, COVID-19, and sexually transmitted infections (particularly syphilis), below is a comparison table to display how mpox compares to these other infections:

Questions Mpox COVID-19 Syphilis

How widespread?

Low (Though mpox is of low concern for the general public, populations of focus are primarily among close sexual networks consistent of gay, bisexual, and other same gender loving men)

  • As of early September 2022, approximately 56,000 global cases, 21,000 in the US

Not similar to mpox

High

  • Hundreds of millions of cases since the start of pandemic

Similar to mpox

Low (Though syphilis is of low concern for the general public, populations of focus are primarily among close sexual networks consistent of gay, bisexual, and other same gender loving men)

  • In 2020, there were 42,000 new cases of syphilis (Specifically Primary & Secondary stages of syphilis, which are the most infectious stages)

How it is commonly spread
  • Primarily through direct contact with monkeypox rash or sores by very close and/or prolonged skin-to-skin contact
  • Respiratory droplets (kissing, coughing, or sneezing)
  • May spread during pregnancy to unborn baby

Similar to mpox

  • Through tiny droplets in the air by breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing

Similar to mpox

  • Via skin-to-skin contact primarily through direct contact with syphilis rash or sores
  • May spread during pregnancy to unborn baby

Signs & Symptoms
  • Rash with blisters on face, hands, feet, body, mouth, anus/butt, or genital area. These may be painful!
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headaches
  • Muscle and back aches
  • Low energy
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

Similar to mpox

  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Respiratory symptoms (e.g., sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough)

Not similar to mpox

  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Cold symptoms

Similar to mpox

  • Rash on body, hands, and feet
  • Sores in mouth, anus/butt, or genital areas

Not similar to mpox

  • Though rash and sores are symptoms similar to monkeypox, syphilis rash and sores are typically NOT painful

Prevention
  • Avoid close physical contact with people that have symptoms
  • Check your partner/s for rash or sores
  • Avoid contact with contaminated materials
  • Wear PPE (mask, gloves, eye protection) if you can't avoid close contact with someone who has symptoms
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Get vaccinated (if eligible), mpoxvaxmap.org
  • Condoms & barrier methods may protect your anus/butt, mouth, penis, or vagina from exposure to mpox. However, condoms alone may not prevent all exposures to mpox since the rash and blisters can occur on other parts of the body.

Similar to mpox

  • Wear PPE (mask, gloves, eye protection) when around someone positive
  • Practice good hand hygiene
  • Get vaccinated (if eligible)
  • Meet others outdoors or in well ventilated spaces

Similar to mpox

  • Avoid intimate contact
  • Routine discussions with your partner/s and health care provider
  • Condoms & barrier methods may protect your anus/butt, mouth, penis, or vagina from exposure to syphilis. However, condoms alone may not prevent all exposures to syphilis since the rash and sores can occur on other parts of the body.