Anyone can get mpox, however, people at the highest risk of mpox in Australia are men who have sex with men, particularly those having sex overseas or with people who have returned from overseas.
Mpox (previously called monkeypox) is an infection caused by the mpox virus. Mpox is often spread through close physical contact with someone who has the virus, including during sexual activity.
Anyone can get mpox, however, people at the highest risk of mpox in Australia are men who have sex with men, particularly those having sex overseas or with people who have returned from overseas.
Mpox symptoms usually begin 3-21 days after being exposed to the infection.
Common symptoms of mpox include:
Some people develop flu-like symptoms before they get a rash or sores. Others may only have a rash or sores. People with mpox can pass the virus on to others up to 4 days before symptoms start.
Most people with mpox get better within a few weeks without needing any specific treatment. If you have Mpox, your doctor will let you know when you can resume sexual and other activities
Mpox is mostly spread through direct contact with Mpox sores, blisters, lesions or rashes.
Other potential ways it spreads include:

Sexual contact, including contact with semen and other bodily fluids

Touching contaminated (infected) objects, such as bedding, towels, or clothes

Breathing in air droplets that someone who has mpox has breathed out or coughed (this is very rare)

During pregnancy, the virus can pass from a pregnant person to their baby through the placenta.
There is a vaccine to prevent or reduce mpox infection and severity. If you have been exposed to mpox and are not vaccinated, try to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination within 4 and 14 days after exposure, can help prevent infection or reduce the severity of symptoms.
The vaccine is free for eligible people in NSW, and is recommended for at risk people aged 16 years and over, including people who are immunocompromised and people who have HIV. To find out if you are eligible for the free vaccine, call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624. You do not need a Medicare card.
You can also view mpox vaccination clinics here and book your vaccination today.
You can also reduce your risk of mpox, by:

Avoiding close physical contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms.

Avoiding contact with bedding, towels, clothing, or other items used by someone who has mpox.

Practicing good hand hygiene including washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser.
Testing is simple and confidential, but you need to have active sores or rashes to test for mpox. The test involves taking a swab from a blister, sore, ulcer, or scab.
You may be asked to stay home and isolate until your doctor, or nurse tells you your results.
Use the STI Testing Locator tool to find a testing location near you or call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call) or chat online for help finding a service.
Most people with mpox recover at home by staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain medicines from a pharmacy.
A doctor or nurse can provide you with information, support, and help monitor your symptoms. Some people who get more severe symptoms may need to go to hospital for further treatment.
If you test positive for mpox, it is important to let recent sexual partners know so they can monitor symptoms, get tested and access vaccination or medical advice.
If you need help contacting your sexual partners, ask your doctor or services like Let Them Know and Sexual Health Infolink can help.
Call Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call) or visit their website.