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

About

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus. Since May 2022, there has been a multi-country outbreak of mpox and there has been recent local transmission in Victoria. 

Though the current outbreak has impacted men who have sex with men more than others, it is important to know that the virus can spread from person-to-person through a lot of physical (not necessarily intimate) contact with an infectious person, especially those with skin rashes / lesions / sores / scabs. The virus is not shown 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
  • Sore throat
  • Pain during urination
  • Anal or rectal pain

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

If you develop symptoms of mpox, you should stay at home, limit contact with others and seek medical care.

Wear a mask and cover any skin rashes / lesions / sores / scabs before getting help.

Steps to prevent mpox spread are:

  1. Try not to come in 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
  5. Limit sexual partners for three (3) weeks after returning from countries where there are active mpox outbreaks
  6. Look out for symptoms and seek medical care and assessment as soon as any occur
  7. Maintain good hygiene such as regular hand washing

Vaccination and Protection Measures

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 apart.

The vaccine takes about 14 days before it is effective.

Post-exposure preventative vaccination (PEPV) is recommended within four (4) days, in accordance with clinical guidance from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation for:

  • 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.

Eligible people for primary preventative vaccination (PPV) include:

  • 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 orthopoxviruses.
  • 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.

See mpox disease information and advice for more information.

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.

Mpox Immunisation Providers Metro and Regional: 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.