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Mpox (Monkeypox)

Mpox also known as monkeypox, is a viral infection transmitted mostly through direct skin-to-skin contact.

Most people will recover within a few weeks. At risk people can get vaccinated.

How it spreads

Mpox transmits through close contact with an infected person.

This can happen through contact with an infected person, such as:

  • prolonged face to face exposure including coughing or sneezing close to another person’s face
  • kissing
  • close skin contact
  • sharing bedding or towels.

Due to the way mpox spreads, people often contract it through sexual activity with an infected person.

Who is at risk

You are more at risk if you:

  • are a close contact of a confirmed case
  • have close or intimate contact with multiple partners or with someone who does, such as having sexual contact
  • are a traveller returning from, or visiting countries, events or venues with confirmed cases of mpox.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days after exposure but can appear anytime between 5 and 21 days.

They can can last for around 2 to 4 weeks and can include:

  • fever of 38’C or more
  • chills, fatigue and exhaustion
  • headaches
  • muscle aches known as myalgia
  • back ache
  • sore throat
  • swollen lymph nodes

A rash can also follow and goes through different stages:

  1. raised, flat spots appear, often itchy and may be painful
  2. spots develop into small blisters
  3. blisters may break open and form ulcers
  4. ulcers turn into scabs
  5. scabs fall off, sometimes leaving scars.

It can show up anywhere on the body, but most cases have sores in the genital, anal and mouth areas.

Close contacts

If you've been in contact with someone infected with mpox in the past 21 days, you should monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days.

You can also get vaccinated for post-exposure.

Treatment

Mpox usually gets better on its own, and most people don’t need treatment beyond managing symptoms or complications.

Follow your treating doctor’s advice. This may include:

  • staying hydrated
  • salt baths if you have ulcers or a rash
  • pain relief such as paracetamol
  • avoiding plasters to prevent rash irritation.

If there's a high risk of severe illness such as in people with weakened immune systems, antiviral medicine may be given.

Control measures

If you have mpox, you will be asked to:

  • stay at home, not go to work or have visitors
  • avoid contact with any other household members
  • avoid contact with animals, including pets
  • sleep in a separate room
  • use a different bathroom if possible
  • not share your clothes, bed linen, towels, crockery or cutlery.

Let your treating doctor know if you are unable to isolate, particularly if there are children or someone who is pregnant in your household.

Sexual contact after infection

Avoid sexual contact while isolating.

Semen may continue to spread the infection after you have recovered, use a condom for 12 weeks.

Information for health professionals

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