MPX (Monkeypox) Information

Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride is taking MPX (Monkeypox, also abbreviated as MPV, MPXV, hMPXV) seriously. The first line of defense is to stay informed. We will continue to update this page as new findings and guidelines are released by CDC and the Riverside County. We will adjust our events as needed also to ensure we can gather safely.

To learn more, or if you believe you have been exposed to MPX, email gro.h1713973664tlaeh1713973664ur@xo1713973664pyekn1713973664om1713973664 or call (951) 358-5107.

Table of Contents

MPX can spread to anyone. Stay informed.

Important Resources

Overview

MPX (Monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus (MPX virus). MPX can cause a rash which may look like pimples or blisters, sometimes with a flu-like illness.

How does MPX spread?

MPX can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including:

  • Direct contact with MPX rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with MPX . CDC believes this is currently the most common way that MPX is spreading in the U.S.
  • Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with MPX
  • Contact with respiratory secretions

This contact can happen during contact including:

  • Oral, anal, and vaginal sex or touching the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) of a person with MPX.
  • Hugging, massage, and kissing.
  • Prolonged face-to-face contact.
  • Touching fabrics and objects during sex that were used by a person with MPX and that have not been disinfected, such as bedding, towels, fetish gear, and sex toys.

What are the symptoms of MPX?

You may experience all or only a few of the symptoms of MPX.

  • Most people will get a rash. Some people will have flu-like symptoms.
  • The rash…
    • Can be located on hands, feet, chest, face, near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas. The rash may also be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.
    • Can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
    • Will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
  • Symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus.
    • Flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion.
    • If someone has flu-like symptoms, they will usually develop a rash 1-4 days later.

How long does MPX last and remain contagious?

MPX can be spread from the time symptoms start until the rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

How to lower your risk?

  • Stay informed
  • Wash your hands often with soap and hand sanitizer
  • Stay fully-clothed at events and avoid skin-to-skin contact, including hugging and kissing
  • Talk to your sexual partners about any recent illness; condoms can help reduce your chance of STIs, but they are not known to reduce the spread of MPX
  • Be aware of new or unexplained rashes on yours or your partner's body; do not have sex if you or your partner have been recently sick or currently feel sick

If you have symptoms, stay home and call your health care provider and ask about testing.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, email gro.h1713973664tlaeh1713973664ur@xo1713973664pyekn1713973664om1713973664 or call (951) 358-5107 for information about getting access to a healthcare provider near you.

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