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Monkeypox (mpox)

Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral infection that does not spread easily between people.

What you need to know in the ACT

Since May 2022, there was a global increase in mpox cases reported from multiple countries where mpox is not usually seen.

Confirmed cases of mpox have been reported in Australia, including the ACT.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but this can be as short as a few days or as long as 21 days.

Mpox symptoms include:

  • rashes, pimple-like lesions or sores, particularly in areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus or buttocks, and on the face, arms and legs
  • ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth

People can experience fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, backache and swollen lymph nodes before the rash or lesions develop.

The pimple-like lesions change and go through different stages. They start as a flat red rash, develop into pustules, before forming a crust and becoming a scab.

Some people may experience only a few pimple-like lesions.

How mpox is spread

Mpox mainly spreads from one person to another by direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has symptoms, such as during sexual activity.

Less commonly, it may be spread by direct contact with contaminated objects such as bedding, towels or clothes or by breathing in droplets from an infected person during prolonged face-to-face contact.

People with mpox are infectious from the time they first get symptoms until all the lesions have crusted, scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath.

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) who have close and intimate contact with multiple partners.

Events held in enclosed spaces such as sex parties, saunas and sex-on-premises venues, where there is intimate physical contact with others, carry a higher risk of mpox transmission.

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, not with an individual’s gender or sexuality.

Although most cases in Australia have been in people infected while overseas, some were likely infected in Australia.

Diagnosis

If you develop symptoms you should stay at home and call your GP clinic to book a telehealth appointment first. 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 catching or spreading mpox by:

  • avoiding close physical contact with people who have mpox and avoiding contact with any bedding or towels they may have been in contact with
  • exchanging contact information with your sexual partners to assist with contact tracing if needed
  • checking yourself for symptoms before you leave home. If you feel unwell or sick, or have any rashes or sores, do not attend events or venues.

GBMSM who have returned from a country known to have mpox outbreaks you should monitor for symptoms. This is particularly important if you have attended dance parties, sex parties, saunas, or sex on premises venues.

Europe and North America are countries that have had mpox outbreaks.

If you are a contact of someone with mpox and have questions call ACT Health Communicable Disease Control (CDC) on 02 5124 9213.

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.

A large proportion of cases have occurred among men who have sex with men, however cases are not limited to this group. Anyone who has prolonged close contact with someone who has mpox while they are infectious is at risk.

Mpox is a notifiable condition in the ACT.

If you suspect mpox you should immediately call ACT Health Communicable Disease Control on 02 5124 9213 to discuss initial public health management.

Mpox vaccination is available in the ACT for eligible people in certain locations. Find out more information at mpox (monkeypox) vaccination.

Find out more about mpox (monkeypox) vaccination at Chief Health Officer alerts.

Read mpox alerts for health professionals at Chief Health Officer alerts.

Translated factsheets

More information

For more information about mpox, contact your GP or call the Health Protection Service, Communicable Disease Control Information Line during business hours on 02 5124 9213.