Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.

About

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. There are two (2) types of the virus – Clade I and Clade II.

In 2022, there was a multi-country outbreak of Clade II, and the first case of mpox in Australia was noted in May 2022. In 2024, there was a resurgence of Clade II cases locally acquired in Australia. More information is available about recent local transmission in Victoria.

Though the current outbreak has mostly impacted gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), it can affect anyone, including women. It is important to know the virus can spread from person-to-person through physical (close or intimate) contact with an infectious person, especially those with skin rashes, lesions, sores, or scabs. The virus is not known to spread from person-to-person with casual contact. 

Mpox can also spread through contact with clothing or linen used by an infected person. Less commonly, it can also spread through respiratory droplets. 

Symptoms

Symptoms may take three (3) weeks to occur. They can include:

  • Painful rash that can affect any part of the body
  • Fevers
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Exhaustion
  • Headaches
  • Respiratory symptoms including sore throat, cough and nasal congestion
  • Pain during urination
  • Anal or rectal pain

Most people get a mild illness which they recover from within a few weeks.

Steps you can take to prevent mpox spread

  1. Try not to have close or intimate contact with people with suspected or confirmed mpox infections 
  2. Avoid contact with any potentially contaminated materials such as bedding and towels used by an infected person 
  3. Check if you are eligible for the mpox vaccination (see below) 
  4. Limit sexual partners until you’re fully vaccinated and vaccine is effective.  
  5. Limit sexual partners for three (3) weeks after returning from countries where there are active mpox outbreaks 
  6. Avoid areas with wild animals. 
  7. Consider limiting number of sexual partners if there is an ongoing local outbreak. 
  8. Ensure you collect details (name, phone number, date or year of birth, residential address and mpox vaccination details) of your sexual contacts. 
  9. Look out for symptoms and seek medical care and assessment as soon as any occur 
  10. Maintain good hygiene such as regular hand washing with soap and water

If you think you have mpox

  • Get tested for mpox by seeing your GP (local doctor)
  • After testing, you should stay at home until cleared by clinician and limit contact with others (especially young children, pregnant women and elderly)  
  • Do not have any sexual activity if you are waiting for an mpox result or until cleared by your clinician. 
  • Wear a mask and cover any skin rashes / lesions / sores / scabs before getting help.
  • Consider using Virtual ED - Home - Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (vved.org.au).If it is an emergency, call 000 immediately and inform staff that you think you might have mpox 

If you test positive for mpox

  • Most people get a mild illness which they recover from within a few weeks. Symptoms can last for two (2) to four (4) weeks
  • For people with weakened immune systems, symptoms may last for longer
  • You will receive a call from LMPHU staff to help you 
  • You will be asked to limit your contact with others until you are cleared of illness by your treating doctor
  • If you need to see your healthcare provider, wear a mask and cover any skin rashes / lesions / sores / scabs before getting help, and call your healthcare provider ahead of time
  • Consider using Virtual ED - Home - Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (vved.org.au). If it is an emergency, call 000 immediatelyand inform staff that youhave mpox 
  • After receiving clearance for 12 weeks afterwards, use condoms during sexual activity, and do not donate human tissue (blood cells, tissue, breast milk, semen or organs) 
 

You can test positive for mpox even if you have been fully vaccinated for mpox. Getting vaccinated against mpox can lower the severity and complications of the disease. 

Vaccination

The mpox vaccine in Victoria is the JYNNEOS vaccine and is available free-of-charge for eligible people. 
 
  • Two (2) doses are required which need to be given 28 days ( four (4) weeks) apart. 
  • The vaccine takes about 14 days before it is effective. 
 
The following groups are eligible for primary preventative vaccination (PPV) with JYNNEOS (The Australian Immunisation Handbook: 
 
  • Sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men. 
  • Sexually active transgender and gender diverse people, if at risk of mpox exposure. 
  • Sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure. 
  • Sexual partners (including anonymous or intimate contacts) of the above groups. 
  • Sex-on-premises venue staff and attendees. 
  • People living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure, and their partners. 
  • Laboratory personnel working with orthopox viruses. 

Vaccination may also be considered for healthcare workers at risk of exposure to patients with mpox, based on local risk assessments. This may include primary care, sexual health clinics, hospital staff and others. The risk of transmission should also be minimised by using infection control measures. 

 

If you haven’t already been vaccinated and have come into close contact with someone with mpox, you might be eligible for post-exposure preventative vaccination (PEPV). PEPV is recommended within four (4) days after last exposure to a confirmed case of mpox and prior to being symptomatic.

The following people are eligible for PEPV: 

  • High-risk contacts of mpox cases 
  • Attendees of sex-on-premises venues and public or private events (particularly where sexual or intimate contact may occur) in areas where local transmission of mpox is occurring. 
 The LMPHU and the Victorian Department of Health may contact you if you are eligible for PEPV. 

 

See mpox disease information and advicefor more information about vaccination. 

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a statement about the use of vaccines for prevention of mpox in 2024. You can read more here. 

Where can you get vaccinated?

You can find a list of your local mpox Immunisation Providers Metro and Regional here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mpox-immunisation-providers 

Note: this list is not exhaustive and local supply may change. Please call ahead to check availability and make a booking where necessary.  

Victorian sexual health clinics: