MPox (formerly Monkey Pox)

Mpox? I thought it was Monkey Pox?

• Mpox (formerly known as Monkey Pox) is a virus that first became big news around the world in early 2022 – previous to this it was usually only seen in Central and Western Africa.
• The World Health Organisation declared the multi-country outbreak of Mpox makes it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
• The World Health Organisation changed the name of the virus in late 2022/early 2023 due to stigmatising and racist language used online and in communities around the world

Is Mpox the same as chickenpox?

• No. The Mpox virus is genetically similar to chickenpox (and likewise, shared a bizarre naming convention that has very little to do with the disease itself).
• Unlike chickenpox, Mpox is usually transmitted through direct contact with the fluids and lesions on the skin that the virus causes, direct contact with semen and other sexual fluids, or to a fetus during pregnancy
• Being vaccinated for chickenpox offers you no protection against Mpox, the Mpox vaccine is a different vaccine.
• You need the Mpox vaccine to be protected against the Mpox virus.

What are the symptoms?

• The symptoms of mpox usually appear between 5 days and 3 weeks after infection. Seek medical advice if symptoms appear after recent travel or direct contact with a case.
• The most commonly reported symptoms are sores, bumps, rashes and pimples usually around the genitals, anus, arms or inside of the mouth – so keep an eye out for these! It goes through stages, forming lesions that may burst and form scabs
• You may also experience more common viral symptoms, such as chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, joint pain, back pain, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes
• You are unlikely to die from Mpox, but it still may be an unpleasant experience. Individuals at risk of severe illness include infants, young children, pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals
• Mpox is confirmed through lab testing. Most cases require low to no supportive treatments; severe cases may need antiviral medication

2024 Update: As of September 2024, a total of  544 cases of Mpox have been reported in Australia, surpassing the total number of cases in 2023, which was 26. Western Australia has had 2 cases, the Northern Territory 1 case, South Australia has had 6 cases, and the ACT 14 cases. The number of cases in the eastern states has risen dramatically, with Victoria having 204 cases, NSW 276 cases, and Queensland 41 cases. Tasmania has never had a recorded case.

I’m worried I’m at risk, what do I do?

• Mpox can be transmitted through sexual contact, close skin-to-skin contact, contact with objects that have been touched by someone infected (such as bed linen, clothing and objects), or to a fetus during pregnancy. 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 at least 12 weeks after recovery.
• Mpox is infectious from the onset of symptoms up until all the scabs have healed, which often takes several weeks
• The best way to reduce the risk of Mpox transmission is to use barrier methods during sex. This includes condoms during penile oral, anal or vaginal sex and when using sex toys, dental dams during oral sex on a vulva or anus, and gloves during digital penetration (fingering). If your sexual partner is showing possible Mpox symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor or sexual health clinician to do a lab test before engaging in sex. Avoiding large and/or anonymous sex gatherings and only having sex with people you can readily contact are also ways to avoid Mpox.
• If you have contracted Mpox, it is recommended that you self-isolate until you’ve fully recovered, and to use a mask when isolation isn’t possible.
• If you’re going travelling, check travel recommendations on the  SMARTraveller website. Search your destination and look for Mpox outbreaks in the Health section.

Mpox Vaccinations

• If you think you may be at risk of getting Mpox, the good news is that just like chickenpox, there is a vaccine! You should contact your closest public health unit, or organisations such as WAAC and  SHQ for more information on getting vaccinated. These are also your point of contact if you think you may have been exposed to Mpox, or are starting to show symptoms, although you can also go to your local GP for diagnosis. 
• Similarly to COVID vaccines, the Mpox vaccines doesn’t make you immune to Mpox, but it does significantly decrease your chances of contracting it, and often reduces the symptoms you would experience.
• There is currently an international shortage of Mpox vaccines, so the Australian government is prioritising vaccinations for certain target population groups. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men have been identified as being at the highest risk of contracting mpox. There is an additional increased risk of infection for individuals living with HIV; people who have been advised to take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis); and folks who have a recent history of multiple sexual partners, participating in group sex, or attending sex on premises venues. Target populations also include sex workers (especially if you or your clients are in the increased-risk categories), people who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems, and people who work in clinical settings with people at increased-risk. It is important to note that while the majority of cases are seen in the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men communities, Mpox is not limited to these communities.
• The  Mpox vaccination is free for priority groups. This includes people without a Medicare card.
• There are currently two Mpox vaccinations available – JYNNEOS and ACAM2000. ACAM2000 is a live-attenuated vaccine (this means it contains a small, weakened amount of the virus, similar to the chickenpox vaccine) and isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, immunocompromised people, people living with eczema or people who have/are at risk of heart conditions, so make sure you mention it to your GP or sexual health clinic when making your booking if any of these apply to you so that you get the right vaccine.