Mpox: course of disease

The period from infection to the onset of the disease (incubation period) is usually five to 21 days (source: WHO).

The disease is usually mild. Most affected recover within a few weeks. Immunocompromised persons, pregnant women, children and older adults not previously vaccinated against smallpox appear to have a higher risk of a severe course.

Among the (rare) complications of monkeypox are secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, or corneal inflammation of the eyes.