Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox (also known as monkeypox) is a viral infection transmitted mostly through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox.

Most will people recover within a few weeks.

Mpox is related to smallpox, but is less contagious and causes a less severe illness.

Current situation

Since May 2022 there has been a global increase in mpox cases in many countries. This includes its spread to countries such as Australia where it had not been seen before.

There are currently outbreaks in New South Wales and Victoria. A number of cases have also been identified in the Northern Territory. The majority of cases have been in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024 due to a rapidly increasing mpox outbreak in central and eastern Africa, caused by new type of the mpox virus. This strain has not yet been detected in Australia.

NT Health and our partners are closely monitoring the situation.

How it is spread

Mpox can be passed on during sex.

It can be spread between people through:

• close skin-to-skin contact
• body fluids, including respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
• contaminated objects such as linen and towels.

During pregnancy, mpox can pass to the unborn baby through the placenta.

Who is at risk

Anyone who has had close physical contact with a confirmed case of mpox is at risk.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have close and intimate contact with multiple partners are at the highest risk of mpox

Travellers returning from, or going to countries, events and venues with confirmed cases of mpox.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of mpox can start 5 to 21 days after exposure.

They can include:

• a distinctive rash with lesions - flat bumps that become raised, fill with fluid and then crust and scab
• swollen lymph nodes - may appear as lumps in neck or groin region
• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• joint or back pain
• chills
• fatigue
• sore throat
• inflammation of the rectum - pain, discharge, bloody stools, diarrhoea
• mouth ulcers.

If you have any of these signs, it's important to get medical help right away.

First, contact your doctor or a sexual health clinic by phone.

When you go to the clinic, follow any instructions given to you and make sure to wear a mask to protect others.

Prevention

There is a vaccination available in Australia for high risk groups.

Vaccination is an important method of prevention.

You can also help to prevent the spread by avoiding:

• close skin-to-skin contact with people who have mpox
• contact with any materials, such as bedding or towels that may have been in contact with an infected person.

Be aware of your risk when you go to places where you might have close physical contact, like at nightclubs or parties.

Vaccine

People of all ages who are at risk of exposure to mpox are recommended to receive the mpox vaccination. This includes:

• high risk close contact of a confirmed case
• gay or bisexual man
• man who has sex with men
• trans (binary and non-binary people) who have sex with men
• sex worker
• sistergirl
• any person who perceives themselves to be at increased risk of acquisition (e.g. because they are attending a high risk event as an advocate/allies)

You will need 2 doses of the vaccine for maximum protection, given at least 28 days apart.

It is most effective 2 weeks after the second dose and gives an 80% protection.

Mpox vaccines are free in the Northern Territory (NT) for eligible people.

Read about the JYNNEOS® vaccine on the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Find out more on what to expect after your vaccine, go to the NSW Health website.

For more information or to book contact Clinic 34:

• 08 8999 2678 - Darwin
• 08 8951 7549 - Alice Springs
• 08 8973 9049 - Katherine
• 08 8987 0357 - Nhulunbuy.

If you have mpox

Mpox is usually mild and you can recover within a few weeks.

Most cases will only require supportive treatment such as:

• fluids
• medicine to control fever or pain.

Your doctor, specialist doctor at Clinic 34 or local hospital will manage your health.

You health team may talk to you about anti-viral medication, treatment for complications or antibiotics for infected skin sores.

Preventing the spread

Mpox can be infectious from the time symptoms develop until all scabs have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed.

Isolating and covering sores until they heal is the best way to stop the spread.

You may need to do this for a number of weeks.

Your local public health unit can provide you with advice on isolation. For contact information, go to the NT Health website.

Household members should:

• avoid physical contact with the infected person
• avoid sharing linen or towels.

Use a condom during sex for at least 12 weeks after recovering.

For more information about mpox, go to the NSW Health website.

Caring for someone with mpox

If you’re caring for, or having contact with a confirmed case, you should:

• wear personal protective equipment, including gloves and a surgical mask
• practise good hand hygiene:
  • wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• avoid exposure to body fluids, lesion material or contaminated materials like bedding.

Contact tracing

Your local Public Health Unit will interview you to identify, assess and follow-up any people who may have been in contact with you while infectious.

Information for health professionals

To find out more, go to the NT Health website.

More information

• Get mpox factsheet on the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care website
• Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) website
• Translation of mpox information on the NSW Health website