About Mpox

Mpox (MPX/Monkeypox)

How is Mpox virus transmitted?

A person can spread mpox from 4 days before symptoms start.

Mpox in Australia is mainly spread through sexual activity and direct skin to skin contact with Mpox spots, sores, blisters or scabs.

Mpox may also spread by:

touching infectious materials or items such as clothing, bedding, towels or personal items
contact with body fluids from a person with mpox
close face to face contact for a long time with a person with Mpox, but this is rare.

What is Mpox should I look for?

Symptoms usually begin 3 to 21 days after contact with the virus. Most people feel better within a few weeks.

Some people get early symptoms such as:

fever
headache
back pain, joint and muscle aches
sore throat
tiredness
swollen lymph nodes.

Some people don’t notice the early symptoms but can get:

rashes, pimple-like spots, blisters or sores on their bodies. These are usually found on the genitals, anus or buttocks. Often people only have one spot or sore.
ulcers or sores in the mouth
rectal pain (pain in and around the anus), discharge or bleeding, which may occur without a sore or rash
pain on urinating.

The rash usually starts as a flat and red, then spots may fill up with fluid or pus. After 2–3 weeks the spots dry and become crusted scabs. The scabs will fall off and leave new but often discoloured skin underneath.

People vaccinated for mpox may still get the illness, but symptoms are usually mild.

How long can mpox virus be passed on if someone has it?

If you have mpox avoid sexual contact with other people until symptoms resolve.

If you have been told you are a contact of someone with Mpox avoid sexual contact for 21 days and monitor for symptoms.

Can I get vaccinated for mpox?

If you would like to be vaccinated – you can find the nearest vaccination centre here.

There is a safe and effective vaccine, named JYNNEOS, which protects people against mpox, and it's often free to get, depending on where you go. Vaccination can also be offered to people that have had sexual partners with confirmed mpox cases. This should help ensure the illness is milder or reduce their chance of developing symptoms altogether. This is known as mpox PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which is different to HIV PEP.

Vaccination requires 2 doses given at least 4 weeks apart - receiving a single dose will not offer you effective protection.

How is mpox treated?

Mostly cases of Mpox are mild and can be treated at home by drinking enough water, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and rest. Serious cases can be treated by a doctor with special training in infectious diseases.

What should I do if I have mpox?

Isolate at home and seek medical care by calling a sexual health clinic, a GP that has a lot of experience in sexual health, or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

If you live with other people, if possible, it would be best to isolate yourself or minimise the risk of transmission by wearing longer clothing that covers the body and by wearing a face mask. Regular hand washing, wearing gloves for direct contact, and cleaning common surfaces will minimise the likelihood of passing the Mpox virus to the people you live with.

Are there ways to protect myself?

Other ways to protect yourself from mpox include:

Get vaccinated, ensure you receive 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart.
Share contact information with sexual partners so that if a partner develops mpox, you can be contacted quickly and offered Mpox vaccination (if you haven’t had it yet).
Have safe sex but be aware that condoms may not completely protect someone from the virus as transmission can occur during any skin-to-skin contact.
Be aware of the risk of mpox if travelling overseas or in other states/territories where cases have been reported, especially if planning to have sex or attend large or intimate social gatherings such as raves, parties, clubs or festivals.
Avoid close contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms.
Avoid contact with any materials such as clothing, bedding or towels that have been in contact with someone with mpox.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.