Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that can affect anyone. The virus can make you feel unwell, and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores. Local transmissions of the virus are still happening in Australia, but you can reduce your risk. Here’s your guide to mpox symptoms, transmission, vaccination and prevention.
In this article:
Monkeypox key points
- Mpox is a viral infection that transmits through close contact and can affect anyone
- The virus can make you feel unwell and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores
- Most people recover within a few weeks without needing treatment
- Vaccinating is the best way to protect yourself and others
- Keep contact details of your sexual partners to assist with any contact tracing
- People are advised to monitor for symptoms, including rashes or lesions, especially after interstate or international travel
- If you think you have mpox, self-isolate and ask for an mpox test from a doctor or sexual health service
What is monkeypox?
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. The virus usually goes away without needing treatment.
Mpox transmits from person to person through contact with lesions or scabs on the skin, body fluids, or contaminated bedding and clothing.
Most local transmission is happening through intimate sexual contact between guys, especially men who have sex with men. Vaccinating is the best way to protect yourself and others. Find your nearest mpox vaccination location with our interactive map.
What’s the latest monkeypox situation in Australia?
Since May 2022, there have been over 290 cases of mpox in Australia with the virus continuing to reappear during 2024.
As at July 2024, local transmissions are still being reported in Australia. People are urged to be aware of mpox symptoms, especially after interstate or international travel.
Vaccinating is known to help stop mpox outbreaks. Reaching maximum protection from the vaccine takes at least 6 weeks, so book your free vaccination now!
See more in Monkeypox (mpox) local community transmission in Australia — what you need to know.
What are monkeypox symptoms?
Mpox can include flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache and fatigue, as well as rashes, lesions or sores. People may experience all or only a few of these symptoms, ranging from mildly unwell to very unwell — with pain that needs medical attention.
Rashes, lesions or sores might be in hard-to-see areas, including around genitals, around or inside the ass (anal and rectal areas), or in the mouth and throat. They may also be on the face, palms, arms, chest, back and legs.
Rashes, lesions, or sores can look different from person to person. They might even look like pimples or blisters, or be mistaken for herpes or syphilis symptoms.
“Monkeypox can include flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache and fatigue, as well as rashes, lesions or sores.”
The incubation period of mpox (the time from infection to the onset of symptoms) can range from 1—21 days. But most people develop symptoms in 1–2 weeks.
Typically, people with mpox will get a rash or lesions. Others may have sores 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.
Monkeypox symptoms in vaccinated people are less severe and may present differently. Learn more about mpox symptoms in Monkeypox — know the signs and symptoms.
How is monkeypox transmitted?
Mpox transmits through close physical contact with someone who has the virus. This includes close contact with:
- Skin rashes, lesions or sores anywhere on the body
- Body fluids (such as pus or blood from lesions)
- Scabs
- Hidden ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth, throat or inside the ass (rectal area)
- Clothing, bedding, towels or objects from a person who has mpox
“Vaccinating is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
Until recently, mpox wasn’t thought of as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But evidence from the current global outbreak indicates it is spreading mainly through sexual contact. The virus can also transmit through kissing.
Monkeypox vaccination
A national mpox vaccination program is now underway. Vaccinations are recommended for:
- Sexually active guys into other guys who have multiple sexual partners, use hook-up apps or attend sex-on-premises venues, sex parties or beats
- People who have sex with gay or bisexual men (including cis or trans women or non-binary people)
Mpox vaccines are free to all eligible people — no Medicare required. If you do have Medicare, bring your Medicare card to your appointment.
The JYNNEOS® vaccine is safe, effective and free to eligible people. It’s also suitable for people living with HIV and those with weakened immune systems.
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.
“Two doses of vaccine provide protection for some years.”
The vaccine is most effective when you get it before exposure to mpox. However, if you are a close contact of someone with mpox, vaccinate as soon as possible and within 14 days to reduce the severity of any symptoms.
Two doses of vaccine provide protection for some years. There is currently no recommendation to have any more than 2 doses of mpox vaccine.
If you received your first dose of vaccine more than 12 months ago, you can still receive your second dose now. You do not need to restart the vaccination process.
For more information and to understand your eligibility, check out Get your monkeypox shot — what you need to know about the monkeypox vaccine.
Monkeypox and HIV
People living with HIV who use effective HIV treatment are at no greater risk of mpox than HIV-negative people. However, people living with HIV who are not on effective HIV treatment and have weakened immune systems may experience more severe or prolonged mpox symptoms.
Although there is limited evidence on mpox in HIV-positive people, people living with HIV are advised to follow the same advice as the general population. Contact your HIV treatment specialist or local HIV organisation if you have any concerns.
Is there a monkeypox treatment?
Most people with mpox have a mild illness and recover in a few weeks without needing treatment. However, some people may experience severe pain, which may need medical attention.
Antiviral medications are available that may help to treat people with severe illness, such as those with weakened immune systems.
Contact your doctor or sexual health centre for advice.
Reduce your risk: sex & monkeypox
While mpox is spreading, be alert for symptoms before, during and after sex. Check yourself for signs before meeting up. If you notice any, contact your sexual health provider and ask for an mpox test.
Make a habit of exchanging contact information with your sexual partners. This will assist with contact tracing.
Until you’re fully vaccinated, you can limit sexual partners or create a sex bubble of regular partners. The fewer intimate partners you have, the better your chances of avoiding mpox.
Consider these strategies to help reduce your risk:
- Have virtual sex on the phone or with a webcam
- Jerk off together without touching each other’s skin or body fluids
- Limit skin-to-skin contact as much as possible by leaving clothing on
- Avoid kissing
- Avoid sharing personal items, sex toys or fetish wear
- Practice good hygiene before and after sex
Condoms for anal and oral sex might not protect you from mpox. But sex with a condom may help avoid painful lesions around and inside your ass (anal and rectal areas), mouth, and throat.
Reduce your risk: partying at events
Seek information from trusted sources such as local health departments — particularly when travelling interstate and overseas.
Check yourself for symptoms before you leave home. Do not attend events or venues if you feel unwell or have rashes or sores — self-isolate and seek medical attention.
Travelling to or returning from overseas?
If you’ve recently been overseas, reduce your sexual partners and monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
If you plan to travel overseas, stay informed and remain aware of developments. Remember to:
- Ensure you are fully vaccinated with 2 doses, ideally 6 weeks before departure
- Exercise caution if you plan to attend sex parties or saunas
- Visit smartraveller.gov.au for up-to-date travel advice
Been exposed to monkeypox or developed symptoms?
If you’re exposed to mpox, act fast — vaccinating within 4 days provides your best chance to avoid symptoms. Vaccinating between 4 and 14 days after exposure may help lessen the severity of symptoms.
“If you’re exposed to mpox, act fast — vaccinating within 4 days provides your best chance to avoid symptoms.”
If you develop symptoms:
- Avoid contact with others and seek medical attention immediately
- Contact your doctor or local sexual health provider and ask for an mpox test
Remember:
- Cover any lesions with clothing or dressings
- Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until examined
- Avoid gatherings, especially if they involve close, skin-to-skin contact with other people
Find information about mpox in your state or territory: