Mpox belongs to the same family of diseases as chickenpox and small pox, though normally only causes a mild illness which most recover from in 2-4 weeks. In 2024, we are seeing a rise in mpox cases in Australia.
Severe illness and death can occur in a small percentage of the population – such as immunocompromised persons – which is why it is important to help keep our most vulnerable safe from harm.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start within 5 days – 3 weeks of exposure to the virus and include sores, rash, bumps or pimples reported on the following areas of the body, but can present anywhere:
- genitals
- anus or inside rectum, which may cause rectal pain or bleeding
- inside the mouth and throat as ulcers, lesions or sores, which may cause sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- face, arms and legs.
General viral symptoms may be experienced initially such as fevers, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and headaches.
Symptoms may resemble sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as herpes or syphilis as well as other infections with a rash such as measles or chickenpox.
For the latest information on mpox click here.
Transmission
Mpox is transmitted through sexual contact and other close physical contact with someone with mpox rash, sores or scabs.
It is not known how long the mpox virus remains in semen and other sexual fluids. People who have recovered from mpox should use condoms when having oral, anal or vaginal sex for 12 weeks after recovery.
Vaccination
Mpox vaccines are currently being rolled out across WA and are available by appointment at sexual health clinics and select GPs. Two doses at least 28 days apart are recommended for maximum protection.
To book your appointment at M Clinic, please visit the website here and make an online booking, or call on 08 9227 0734.
For all other Sexual Health Clinics and GPs, please visit the Healthy WA website for more information about where to get vaccinated.
Facts and Information
Will the vaccine leave a mark?
Mpox vaccinations are now administered subcutaneously or via an injection in the upper arm, similar to COVID or flu vaccinations, and are unlikely to leave a mark. Previously, many people received the Mpox vaccine intradermally, which involved a shallow injection just under the skin in the forearm and often left a temporary mark.
Am I more at risk of mpox if I have HIV?
In the current mpox outbreak in Australia, we are noticing a larger proportion of cases among people living with HIV. For individuals who are severely immunocompromised and not on HIV antiviral medication, mpox can be more severe and last longer.
Does mpox affect the gay community more?
A large number of cases detected are among the gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) communities. This is most likely because the GBMSM community are more sex-positive and participate more in sex-positive social events and more routinely test for STIs.
It is important to note that while majority of cases seen are in the gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men communities, mpox is not limited to these communities.
Get vaccinated
The best thing you can do for yourself and for your partners is to get vaccinated.
The mpox vaccine is currently being rolled out across WA, so book yourself an appointment, let your friends know, and go together – make an afternoon of it.
While one dose of the JYNNEOS® Mpox vaccine offers significant protection, receiving two doses spaced at least 28 days apart ensures the best defense against infection.
More information
Here are some sources of information: