Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that can affect anyone. It can make you feel unwell and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores. Here’s your guide to mpox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, mpox rash and mpox blisters.
Even with local transmissions of the virus in Australia continuign in 2024, there are ways for you to reduce your risk. Find your guide to mpox transmission, vaccination and prevention in What is monkeypox and what does it mean for guys in Australia?
Two doses of mpox vaccine protects you and others from mpox. Find your nearest mpox vaccination location with our interactive map. Vaccines are free to eligible people and you don’t need Medicare.
Monkeypox symptoms
People may experience all or only a few of the following common symptoms, ranging from mild to very unwell — with pain that needs medical attention:
- Rashes or lesions (bumps that turn into pimples, blisters or sores and may burst to form ulcers or scabs)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Backache
- Muscle aches and joint pains
- Chills
Less common signs of mpox can include:
- Sore throat
- Rectal pain and bleeding (inside the ass)
- Swollen penis
- Swollen tonsils
- Blisters or sores inside the mouth or on the tongue
Not everyone who gets mpox will experience all symptoms or symptoms in the same order. Most people with mpox will get a rash or lesions. Others may get these before developing flu-like symptoms. Some people may not develop any flu-like symptoms at all.
Mpox symptoms are typically more severe in unvaccinated people. Vaccinating is the best way to help avoid mpox and significantly reduce your chance of experiencing severe symptoms.
People living with HIV who are not on treatment may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms.
“Not everyone who gets mpox will experience all symptoms or symptoms in the same order.”
Symptoms can be very mild in people who are fully vaccinated. A noticeable rash or lesions are less likely to occur. However, among vaccinated people, common reported symptoms include:
- proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
- stomach cramps
- increased or constant need to go to the toilet
- severe lower back or body pain
- sore throat and/or mouth ulcers
- painful urination
What does the monkeypox rash look like?
From person to person, rashes, lesions, or sores can look different. They might look like pimples or blisters. Rashes can be mistaken for herpes or syphilis symptoms by your or your doctor. Ask for an mpox test if you notice any of these symtpoms.
Lesions can vary in size and number from as little as just one lesion to several hundred. Mpox lesions can look like blisters similar to chickenpox but larger.
Rashes, lesions or sores might be in hard-to-see areas, including around the genitals, around or inside the ass (anal and rectal areas), or in the mouth and throat. They may also be on the face, palms, soles of the feet, arms, chest, back and legs.
The rash can be extremely itchy or painful. It typically changes and goes through different stages. First, it might appear as flat lesions, progressing to raised and firm lesions, then filled with fluid before forming a scab, which later falls off. The lesions can cause scarring.
Is monkeypox deadly?
Deaths from mpox are rare but have occurred during the current global outbreak in over 20 countries, including USA, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Spain, Chile, India, Cuba and Belgium.
To date, over 160 deaths have occurred in countries that have not historically reported mpox. Some people who died had severely weakened immune systems and serious illnesses other than mpox. There have been no mpox-related deaths in Australia.
What is the monkeypox incubation period?
An incubation period is the time it takes from acquiring a disease to its symptoms showing.
“The mpox incubation period can ranges from 1 to 21 days.”
The mpox incubation period can range from 1 to 21 days.
How do you know if you have monkeypox?
If you have any mpox symtpoms, ask your healthcare provider to test for mpox.
If you develop symptoms, avoid contact with others and seek medical attention immediately. Call your doctor or local sexual health provider via phone ahead of visiting. Do not attend a health service without calling ahead.
Is there a monkeypox treatment, and how long does monkeypox recovery take?
Mpox is infectious from when symptoms begin until the lesions heal and the scabs fall off. Complete recovery may take 2 to 4 weeks.
As a self-limiting disease, mpox doesn’t usually need treatment. However, lesions can be painful and require medical attention.
Treatments for mpox are available for people with severe symptoms or health complications, such as those with weakened immune systems. Talk to your doctor or sexual health service to discuss what’s best for you.
What can I do to avoid monkeypox?
Free mpox vaccines are available now. Vaccinating is the best way to protect yourself and others.
One dose of vaccine is good at protecting you from monkeypox in the short term. It takes 2 weeks for the first dose of vaccine to provide good protection. You need to wait 28 days (4 weeks) after your first dose before receiving your second dose. Maximum protection occurs around 2 weeks after your second dose.
“Free mpox vaccines are available now. Vaccinating is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
For more information and to understand your eligibility, check out Get your monkeypox shot — what you need to know about the monkeypox vaccine. Find your nearest mpox vaccination location with our interactive map.
Learn more about other ways you can reduce your risk of getting mpox in What is monkeypox, and what does it mean for guys in Australia?
Find information about mpox in your state or territory: