About mpox
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that historically occurred mostly in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and has spread to other regions. Zoonotic diseases can spread between animals and humans.
The monkeypox virus is in the same family of viruses as variola virus which causes smallpox . It is a rare viral illness that can become serious. For most people, symptoms will clear up on their own after 2 to 4 weeks.
Since May 2022, there has been a global increase in mpox infections in multiple countries where the illness is not usually seen. Mpox was first reported in Australia May 2022.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 14 August 2024. Mpox was previously declared a PHEIC on 23 July 2022.
Signs and symptoms
Mpox illness can be mild and people typically recover without specific treatment within a few weeks. Some people will experience more severe symptoms that require management by a doctor. People typically recover with a few weeks .
Signs and symptoms of mpox infection can include:
- a distinctive rash, lesions (bumps that turn into pimples, blisters or sores, and may burst to form ulcers or scabs)
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- joint pain
- back pain
- chills
- exhaustion.
The rash changes and goes through different stages, before forming a scab and falling off. It can appear as lesions, like pimples, blisters or sores, which can then burst to form ulcers or scabs. These can vary in size and number with as little as a single lesion to several thousand. The lesions look like blisters similar to chickenpox or shingles, but larger. In genital regions, the rash can look like herpes (cold sores, genital herpes).
The rash may occur on any part of the body, including the:
- face and inside the mouth
- torso
- arms and hands
- legs and feet
- genital and perianal regions.
Some people have reported a rash appearing in the genital and perianal regions without spreading to other areas of the body. Some only experience this rash or pain in their mouth or anus with no other symptoms. The rash can be painful, especially if the lesions join or appear in the mouth or rectum.
Symptoms begin 5 to 21 days after exposure to the virus. You should seek medical advice straight away if you develop any of these symptoms after:
- returning from overseas
- being in contact with a case in Australia or overseas.
Transmission
A person with mpox is thought to be infectious from the time they develop any symptoms until all scabs have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This may take several weeks.
Transmission between people can occur through:
- close contact with rashes, blisters or sores on the skin
- body fluids, including respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- contaminated objects such as linen and towels.
Transmission can occur through intimate physical contact during sex. In this case, it is likely that infectious skin rashes, blisters or sores are the mode of transmission.
Transmission through respiratory droplets (for example coughing or sneezing) is less common and usually only happens if there is prolonged face-to-face contact.
The virus can also pass to the foetus via the placenta during pregnancy.
Who is at risk
Cases of mpox in some countries, including Australia, have mostly been identified in the gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men population.
People who are at risk of mpox include:
- people who have had close physical contact, including sexual contact, with an mpox case.
- Australian travellers returning from, or going to, countries with confirmed cases
People in these groups who think they may be at risk, should be aware of the symptoms. People who develop any of these symptoms should seek medical help straight away.
If infected, infants, young children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of becoming severely unwell.
Prevention
There are measures people can take to help prevent infection:
- people who have mpox should isolate from others until the sores fully clear.
- household members should avoid physical contact with the infected person. This includes any objects such as linen or towels that have been in contact with an infected person.
- careful hand and respiratory hygiene are recommended for the infected person and everyone in the household. Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- if an infected person cannot isolate alone, they should wear a face mask when around other people. This includes when receiving medical care.
Further general information is available on the Emen8 website . More information on the public health management of people with mpox, and on infection prevention and control for health workers, visit the mpox resources .
Isolation
People with probable or confirmed mpox should immediately isolate until all blisters or sores have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed to prevent further spread of the disease. People who are a suspected case, should isolate until they return a negative result.
Healthcare providers with inpatients in acute settings with confirmed or probable mpox should isolate them in a room with a private bathroom.
For more information on the public health management of people with mpox, see the CDNA Monkeypox virus infection national guidelines for public health units .
For more information on infection prevention and control, see the ICEG interim guidance on Monkeypox for health workers.
Diagnosis
Mpox is confirmed by laboratory testing.
Anyone who thinks they may be infected, should seek medical advice straight away.
Treatments and vaccines
Most people require no, or only supportive, treatment for mpox. This may include simple pain relief. Antiviral treatment may be needed in patients with more severe disease. Guidance on the use of treatments for mpox in Australia is available in the Monkeypox treatment guidelines (currently under review).
Vaccines can be given either before or after a person is exposed to the virus, but before exposure is recommended for the best protection.
Priority groups who are currently eligible for vaccination against mpox are:
- close physical contacts of people infected with mpox, such as intimate partners and people who live in the same household
- population groups who might be at higher risk of exposure or further transmission, such as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men who have a high number of sexual contacts or are travelling to countries where mpox is present, or those where mpox is more likely to result in serious illness
- people whose occupations might put them at increased risk, including sex workers, laboratory staff and healthcare workers.
For more information on vaccines against mpox, visit mpox vaccines.
More vaccination information is available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and in the ATAGI interim statement on the use of vaccines for prevention of mpox in 2024.
Mental health and wellbeing support
It is important to take care of your mind as well as your body. Stay in touch with family and friends virtually and reach out for help or support if you ever need it.
- QLife – A national and anonymous phone and online counselling service staffed by LGBTIQA+ community members – 1800 184 527
- Beyond Blue helpline – 1800 512 348
- Lifeline – 13 11 14.
Travelling support
It's important to read and understand the advice level for each country travelling to or through. Before departure, visit the SMARTraveller website to find out about the latest travel advice, which could include potential Mpox cases or outbreaks.
Case definitions
Resources
For general information on mpox please visit:
- Mpox (monkeypox) resources
- Mpox fact sheet
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- US Center for Disease Prevention and Control
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
For live information on the case numbers for mpox in Australia, visit the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) webpage.