Mpox
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus.
Since May 2022, there has been a global increase in mpox, including in Australia.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 3-21 days after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- rashes, pimple-like lesions or sores
- these can occur anywhere, including in hard to see areas such as the genital, anal or buttock region
- ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth
- anal or rectal pain (this can be the only symptom).
- fever or chills
- headache
- muscle and back aches
- swollen lymph nodes
- fatigue or extreme tiredness.
People with mpox may be infectious up to 4 days before symptoms start.
People with mpox are infectious until:
- all the lesions (sores) have crusted and scabs have fallen off leaving a fresh layer of skin underneath
- any rectal pain is completely gone.
Most people with mpox get better within a few weeks without needing any specific treatment.
How mpox is spread
Mpox in Australia is mainly spreading through sexual activity.
Mpox spreads by:
- direct skin to skin contact with rashes, blisters or sores
- contact with semen and other body fluids from a person with mpox.
Mpox may also spread by:
- touching contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothes, or
- extended face to face contact with a person with mpox, but this is rare.
Who is at risk of infection
People are at highest risk following skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox and has a rash or sores. This can happen when you are having sex.
Based on current experience in Australia and internationally, people at highest risk from mpox are
- gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), and
- who have close and intimate contact with multiple partners.
However, cases are not limited to these groups.
Anyone who has prolonged close contact with someone who has mpox while they are infectious is at risk.
Events held in enclosed spaces such as where there is intimate physical contact with others, carry a higher risk of mpox transmission.
This includes:
- sex parties
- saunas
- sex-on-premises venues
Anyone taking part in these types of activities can be exposed to mpox –
The risk of exposure to mpox is associated with:
- behaviours involving close physical contact, and
- not with an individual’s gender or sexuality.
Diagnosis and treatment
Mpox is diagnosed by swabs taken from affected areas.
Most people with mpox can manage their symptoms at home. If you are diagnosed with mpox, your health care provider will give you advice on symptom monitoring and treatments.
Some people who get really sick may need to go to hospital.
If you develop symptoms you should stay at home and call your GP clinic to book a telehealth appointment. You can also call the Canberra Sexual Health Clinic to book an appointment on 02 5124 2184.
If you need to attend an in-person appointment as part of a diagnosis, you should wear a mask and cover any lesions.
Vaccination
Mpox vaccination is available in the ACT for eligible people.
Find out more about mpox vaccination and who should get vaccinated.
Prevention
Vaccination is only one way to prevent mpox infection.
Even if you are vaccinated it’s still important to take steps to reduce your risk of exposure or spreading mpox as there is still a risk of infection after vaccination.
You can prevent getting or spreading mpox by:
- avoiding close physical contact with people who have mpox
- avoiding contact with any bedding or towels the people with mpox may have been in contact with
- exchanging contact information with your sexual partners to assist with contact tracing if needed
- regularly checking yourself for symptoms
- if you feel unwell or sick, or have any rashes or sores, stay at home and arrange an appointment to get them checked.
More information
- Information if you are diagnosed as having mpox
- Information if you are a contact of someone with mpox
- In an emergency, call triple zero (000) or head to your nearest hospital emergency department.
- For free help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
For health professionals and community service providers
Clinicians should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms consistent with mpox. This is particularly important in returned travellers and people who have had contact with a known case of mpox.
Mpox is a notifiable condition in the ACT.
If you suspect mpox you should immediately call ACT Health on 02 5124 9213 to discuss initial public health management.
Find out more about mpox and mpox vaccination at Chief Health Officer alerts.
An ACT mpox vaccination protocol for use of JYNNEOS® has been developed.
This protocol is for:
- health practitioners who have been approved by the ACT Chief Health Officer as nominated vaccination providers and
- health practitioners who wish to be considered as nominated vaccination providers.
Compliance with this protocol is mandatory.
To become a nominated vaccine provider:
- download and read the Operational protocol for the supply and administration of the JYNNEOS® vaccine
- contact the Immunisation Section by phone 5124 9800 or email immunisation@act.gov.au.
JYNNEOS® must be supplied and used only at the direction of the ACT Chief Health Officer in accordance with this protocol.
Nominated Vaccine Providers for administration of the vaccine are limited to those designated by the ACT Chief Health Officer.