Mpox is a contagious rash illness caused by the mpox (also known as monkeypox) virus. The virus is in the same family of viruses as the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox causes milder illness than smallpox, but some symptoms can be severe. The mpox virus can spread from animals to people and from person to person.
The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) will be updating webpages with the term "mpox" to reduce stigma and other issues associated with prior word choice.
Get Vaccinated - 2 Doses for Best Protection
People who are at risk can book an appointment for JYNNEOS, a two-dose, FDA-approved vaccine that can prevent you from developing mpox or could make your symptoms less severe if you do get sick. Visit the CDC mpox vaccine website to see who should get the vaccine.
If you have health insurance, vaccines are available at the locations in the drop-down menu below. If you don't have insurance, call 703.746.4988 for appointments at Alexandria Health Department, available at a sliding fee scale.
Minors 17 years old and under must have a parent, guardian, or adult aged 18 or older designated by the parent or guardian present on-site to receive the vaccine.
Walgreens - 1517 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Call 703.838.5709
Walgreens - 4515 Duke Street
Safeway - 299 S. Van Dorn Street
Safeway - 3526 King Street
Get Tested & Treated for Mpox in Alexandria
If you think you might have been exposed to mpox or if you have symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare provider. Call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. If you are not able to call ahead, tell a staff member as soon as you arrive that you are concerned about monkeypox.
If you're having trouble getting an appointment with a doctor, call an urgent care to see if they offer testing, or call Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4988.
Alexandria Health Department provides testing and treatment for people who qualify based on their risk factors, health coverage, and need. Or, AHD can direct people to other services. Translations are available. All are welcome.
MPOX Frequently Asked Questions & Videos
What are the symptoms of mpox?
The most common symptom is a rash, bumps, or sores that can look like pimples or blisters. They appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or butt. You can look at pictures of the pox on the CDC signs and symptoms page.
Some people may also have the following symptoms first (or in addition to a rash or sores):
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Exhaustion
When do mpox symptoms start?
Symptoms can show up 5-21 days after you were exposed to mpox.
How is mpox spread?
The most common way it spreads is from direct contact with the skin, clothes, bedding, or bodily fluids of someone who has mpox. Mpox can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores have healed, and a fresh layer of skin has formed - this can take several weeks!
Mpox is NOT known to infect people primarily via sex. However, close contact with skin and bodily fluids, which happens during sex, does spread mpox. Mpox may also spread through large respiratory droplets such as if someone infected coughs or sneezes close to your face.
Who can get mpox?
Anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can get mpox. Many, but not all cases so far, have been among communities of people who self-identify as men who have sex with men.
How can I prevent mpox infection?
To decrease your chances of getting and spreading mpox:
- Book a vaccine appointment (above).
- Talk with your sexual partner(s) about illness and risk.
- Look out for symptoms. If you or a partner has a new or unexpected rash or sore (that may look like a pimple), do not have sex or close physical contact.
- Wash hands, sex toys, and bedding every time before and after sex or other intimate activities.
When making plans, consider the level of risk. Going to clubs, saunas, raves, sex parties, and other places with skin-to-skin or face-to-face contact with many people increases your chance of exposure. Read more about social gatherings and mpox from the CDC.
What to do if I think I have mpox?
If you think you might have been exposed to mpox or if you have symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare provider.
Seek medical care immediately if you develop new, unexplained skin rash (blisters, lesions, bumps or sores on any part of the body), with or without fever and chills. Call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. If you are not able to call ahead, tell a staff member as soon as you arrive that you are concerned about monkeypox.
AHD can help your provider arrange for testing. While you wait to feel better, tell your partner(s) you aren't feeling well and avoid close contact.
If you have insurance, but don't have a doctor, call an urgent care to see if they offer testing or evaluation.
If you don't have insurance, call the Alexandria Health Department at 703.746.4988 for support.
What is the Alexandria Health Department doing about mpox?
AHD is working with state and regional partners to be able to provide vaccines to high-risk individuals. AHD is also working with local health care providers to monitor and prevent the spread of mpox.
Learn More
There are a variety of resources at the local, state (VDH) and national (CDC) levels to help address community concerns. If you want to speak to someone directly, call 703.746.4988 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For online inquiries, email alexhealth@vdh.virginia.gov and someone will reach out to you.