How is mpox confirmed during pregnancy?

Doctors check your symptoms, examine your rash, and send swabs from lesions to a lab to test for the virus.

Is there a vaccine for mpox in India?

There’s no mass vaccination programme yet, but the MVA-BN vaccine is being developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) in collaboration with a Danish biotechnology company for the Indian market.

Managing Mpox in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention Guide

If you’re pregnant and worried about mpox, knowing how it’s diagnosed, treated, and prevented can give you peace of mind. It is a rare infection, but it’s still something worth understanding if you’re expecting. You need to be prepared in case you’re exposed or develop symptoms.

Diagnosing Mpox in Pregnant Individuals

Take a look at how the diagnosis process works:

Symptom review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, and whether you’ve been in contact with someone who has mpox.
Rash examination: Since rashes are common in pregnancy, your doctor will check if your rash matches the typical mpox pattern. They’ll also rule out other conditions like varicella zoster or pregnancy-related skin issues.
Lab testing: If mpox is suspected, your doctor will take swabs from your rash or blisters and send them to a lab to confirm the presence of the monkeypox virus. Results may take a few days.
Monitoring your baby: If mpox is confirmed, your doctor will keep a close eye on your baby’s growth to watch for any complications.

Your doctor may also test for sexually transmitted infections or other viruses to be thorough because mpox symptoms can look like other infections. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you notice symptoms or think you’ve been exposed.

Treatment Options for Mpox in Pregnancy

Most mpox cases are mild and clear up on their own within two to four weeks, but pregnant individuals are prioritised for treatment because of the potential risks to you and your baby. Your doctor will guide you through the treatment based on what’s safe for you and your baby.

Antiviral medications: An antiviral medication is the first choice for treating mpox in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Certain antivirals, like cidofovir and brincidofovir, are not recommended because they could harm the foetus.
Supportive care: For mild cases, your doctor may suggest rest and plenty of fluids to help your body recover naturally.
Monitoring: Your doctor will monitor you closely for severe symptoms or pregnancy complications like preterm labour.

Currently, there isn't a mass vaccination programme for mpox in India. However, the Serum Institute of India (SII) is collaborating with a Danish biotechnology company to produce the MVA-BN mpox vaccine for the Indian market.

Preventing Mpox During Pregnancy

Preventing mpox is the best way to protect yourself and your baby. These are a few key steps to reduce your risk:

Take travel precautions: If you must travel internationally, check travel advisories for mpox outbreaks at your destination. Wear a mask in crowded places like airports or public transport, avoid touching frequently used surfaces, and sanitise your hands often. Consider delaying non-essential travel to high-risk areas until after pregnancy.

Monitor after travel: If you or someone close to you has travelled to a country with mpox cases, watch for symptoms like fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes. Contact your doctor immediately if symptoms appear.

Avoid contact with infected people: Stay away from anyone with confirmed or suspected mpox.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Breastfeeding and Mpox Precautions

Breastfeeding and close contact with your newborn should be avoided to prevent transmission if you have mpox.

Delay breastfeeding: Wait until all lesions have healed, scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed. This ensures the virus is no longer contagious.
Express and discard milk: If you’re in isolation, express breast milk and discard it to maintain your supply and avoid breast infections. A healthy caregiver can feed your baby pasteurised donor milk or formula.
Separation from your newborn: Keep your baby in a separate room to avoid transmission.
Emotional support: Being separated from your newborn can be tough. Ask your healthcare professional for resources to cope with stress or postpartum depression during isolation.

Mpox in India

As of 2025, India has reported only one new mpox case this year, confirmed in Bengaluru. The health ministry continues measures like contact tracing and testing at labs across the country. The risk of mpox in India remains low, but taking precautions like practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people can help keep you protected in the long run.

You don’t need to panic about mpox during pregnancy, but it’s good to stay aware. You can take charge of your health and protect your baby by knowing how mpox is diagnosed, treated, and prevented. Stay informed, follow these precautions, and reach out to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about mpox exposure or symptoms.

FAQs on Managing Mpox in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

How is mpox confirmed during pregnancy?
Doctors check your symptoms, examine your rash, and send swabs from lesions to a lab to test for the virus.
Is there a vaccine for mpox in India?
There’s no mass vaccination programme yet, but the MVA-BN vaccine is being developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) in collaboration with a Danish biotechnology company for the Indian market.