How is mpox diagnosed?

Because mpox is rare, a healthcare provider may first suspect other rash illnesses, such as measles or chickenpox . But swollen lymph nodes usually distinguish mpox from other poxes.

To diagnose mpox, your healthcare provider takes a tissue sample from an open sore (lesion). Then, they send it to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing (genetic fingerprinting). You may also need to give a blood sample to check for the mpox virus or antibodies your immune system makes.