Mpox

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is caused by infection with a virus called MPXV.

Most infections are mild but, in some cases, mpox can cause serious illness.

Mpox symptoms can include skin lesions, sores or a rash alongside headache, fever, muscle aches, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms usually occur 3 to 21 days after exposure and can vary from mild to severe.

Mpox rash, lesions or sores can present in areas that are hard to see, like the genitals, anus, anal area or in the mouth. They can also present on the face, arms, chest, back and legs. The rash, lesions or sores can look different from person to person: they may look like pimples, blisters or other STIs like herpes or syphilis. 

The symptoms go through different stages as the body’s immune system responds to the virus. Typically, lesions will fill with fluid and become inflamed (red and sore to touch) before becoming a scab and falling off to reveal a new layer of skin.

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.

If you develop symptoms as described above, you should stay at home and call a GP clinic or the Canberra Sexual Health Centre on (02) 5124 2184. Usually, you will be offered a telehealth appointment in the first instance.

If you need to attend an in-person appointment as part of a diagnosis, you should wear a mask and cover any lesions with dressings and clothing where possible.

Things to remember:

• • Call before attending a health service.
  • Avoid public transport.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Cover any lesions with clothing or dressings. Ask your GP or clinic what type of dressing to use.
  • Avoid sex or intimacy with others until examined.

Mpox is transmitted through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. This includes contact with skin rashes, body fluids (such as semen), sores and scabs (which can be hidden, such as inside the mouth, throat or rectal area). It can also spread through clothing, towels and bedding.

Mpox isn't a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but, in Australia, it is mainly spreading through sexual contact, including kissing.

Most people experience mild illness which can be managed at home and they recover in a few weeks without needing specific treatment. However, some people may experience severe pain, which needs medical attention. Unvaccinated people have a greater risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

Medications are available that may help treat people with severe illness, such as those with weakened immune systems. We encourage seeking medical advice if you are concerned.

A vaccine called JYNNEOS is approved for use in Australia and can prevent the spread and severity of the mpox virus. To be fully vaccinated, two doses of the vaccine are needed at least 28 days apart. You will have the strongest protection from 2 weeks after the second vaccine.

For more information about the mpox vaccine in the ACT, visit ACT Health.

Meridian holds monthly vaccine clinics where you can get the mpox vaccine for free.

People who are currently eligible in the ACT include:

• sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
• sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure
• people living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure
• laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses
• any person (regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity) travelling to countries with ongoing transmission of clade 1 mpox, who may undertake sexual activities that place them at risk of mpox exposure.

Vaccination may also be considered for:

• healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox
• sexual partners of GBMSM, sex workers and people living with HIV.

Two doses are needed, at a minimum of 28 days apart. Vaccination is free and a Medicare card is not required.

The vaccine can also be used as post-exposure prevention for anyone who has been a close contact of someone with monkeypox in the past 14 days. ACT Health will advise on the need for post-exposure vaccination if you have been identified as a contact of someone with mpox infection.

For more information about the mpox vaccine in the ACT, visit ACT Health.

Vaccinations are available at many services across the ACT, including:

• Canberra Sexual Health Centre: call (02) 5124 2184 to book
• Capital Chemist University of Canberra: walk-ins available
• Interchange Health Co-operative: call (02) 6247 5742 or book online
• Meridian: Find the next clinic date.
• Ochre Medical Centre Bruce: call (02) 6180 8500 to book
• Pharmacy on Northbourne: walk-ins available
• Travel Doctor-TMVC: call (02) 6222 2300 to book
• Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services: call (02) 6284 6222 to book (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only)

Find out more about vaccine clinics and making a booking.

If you are outside of the ACT, you can find other mpox vaccination clinics in Australia at Emen8.

Vaccination is one way you can prevent an mpox infection. Even if you're vaccinated, it’s still important to take steps to reduce your risk of exposure or spreading mpox.

You can reduce your risk of contracting mpox by:

• avoiding close physical contact, including sexual contact, with people who have mpox or have mpox symptoms as described above
• avoiding contact with clothing, bedding or towels that have been in contact with or used by people with mpox
• exchanging contact information with your sexual partners, to help with contact tracing if one of you gets mpox
• staying alert for mpox symptoms before, during and after sex.
  • Check yourself for signs before meeting up.
  • If you notice any, stay at home and arrange an appointment with Canberra Sexual Health Centre or a GP to get them checked.

At festivals, clubs and parties:

To protect yourself and your community at events, you can:

• Seek information from trusted sources like local health authorities, particularly when travelling and overseas.
• Check yourself for symptoms before you leave home. If you feel unwell or have a rash or sores, do not attend the event or venue. Self-isolate and seek medical attention.
• Consider the event you are planning to attend and how much skin-to-skin contact is likely to happen.
  • Festivals, concerts or other events when people are fully clothed are low risk, but close physical contact (like kissing) may spread mpox.
  • Parties, clubs or other events when less clothing is worn and therefore have a higher likelihood of skin-to-skin contact have some risk. Avoid rashes and sores you see on others and minimise skin-to-skin contact.

During sex

It’s always important to be self-aware and in the know when it comes to your health.

Monitor for symptoms before, during and after sex. If you or a partner has mpox, the best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid any skin-to-skin contact, especially with any rash, lesions or sores. Self-isolate and seek medical attention immediately.

Ways to reduce your risk of mpox during sex include:

• Use a condom during sex. (Condoms might not protect you from mpox. However, sex with a condom may help avoid painful lesions inside your ass (anal and rectal areas), mouth and throat. Condoms also prevent the transmission of other STIs and HIV.)
• Practice good hygiene after sex such as washing your hands and sex toys.
• Exchange contact information with your sexual partners to help with contact tracing if needed.
• Using virtual methods (such as phone or webcam) with no person-to-person contact.
• Masturbate together without touching each other.
• Reduce as much skin-to-skin contact as possible by leaving clothing on.
• Avoid kissing.

People who have recently returned from overseas and who develop any mpox symptoms, particularly an unusual rash, should stay home and call Canberra Sexual Health Centre or a GP.

If you are planning to travel overseas, it is important to stay informed and remain aware of any mpox news and developments.

Vaccination is the most effective tool for mpox prevention. If you are planning to travel, vaccination is recommended 6 weeks before departure.

Follow public health alerts and advice from local health authorities of the countries you are visiting and stay up to date with event updates before and after visiting any large events.

People living with HIV who are on effective antiretroviral treatment face no higher risk than those who are HIV negative. However, if someone has a significantly weakened immune system and isn't taking HIV antiviral drugs, mpox can be more severe and last longer.

• MPOX | ACT Health
• Mpox — know the signs and symptoms | Emen8
• What you need to know about the mpox vaccine | Emen8
• What is mpox, and what does it mean for guys in Australia?
• Mpox | Australian Centre for Disease Control