Mpox (monkeypox)
Mpox is a disease caused by infection with the mpox virus.
It is contagious and can spread from person-to-person through skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected surfaces or items, and respiratory droplets. Transmission does however require prolonged and often intimate contact with an infected individuals.
To find out where to get a vaccination locally, click here
What do people need to watch out for?
The first symptoms of mpox are usually fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.
After a few days a blistering rash usually appears in the mouth and on the face, and then spreads to other parts of the body. The rash can appear on the palms of hands, the soles of feet, and on the genitalia. The rash changes and goes through different stages similar to chickenpox, before finally becoming a scan that falls off.
Sometimes the illness begins with the rash, and this has been demonstrated in the current outbreak.
Symptoms usually resolve themselves within a few weeks.
To read more, click on the fact sheet from the Ovens Murray Public Health Unit.
Other information form the Department of Health is available below:
For additional information, click here
Mpox vaccine
In Victoria, the Mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) is available free-of-charge for eligible people who meet any of the following criteria.
- Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for high-risk close contacts of mpox cases, preferably within 4 days.
- Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the following:
- Gay, bisexual, and other men, non-binary people assigned male at birth, or trans people who have sex with men (including cis and trans men) at increased risk of mpox infection.
Proxy markers for increased risk of mpox infection may include:
- Those living with HIV.
- A recent history of multiple sexual partners, participating in group sex, or attending sex on premises venues.
- Other proxy markers, such as recent sexually transmitted infection or those being advised to take HIV PrEP due to number of sexual partners.
- Recommendation from other service providers, such as sexual health clinics.
- Sex workers, particularly those whose clients are in high-risk categories listed above
- Anyone in the above high-risk categories who is planning travel to a country experiencing a significant outbreak, with vaccination recommended 4-6 weeks prior to departure
- Anyone at greater risk of a poor clinical outcome from mpox infection, such as individuals who are immunocompromised.
- Immunisation providers who are administering the ACAM2000™ smallpox vaccine.
- Laboratory workers who analyse specimens from mpox cases
- Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men, non-binary people assigned male at birth, or trans people who have sex with men (including cis and trans men) who are homeless or have significant drug use or psychiatric illness.
The second dose of mpox vaccine is also available for eligible people.
Two doses are required for optimal protection and can be given 28 days apart. The mpox vaccine takes approximately 14 days before it is effective.
How to access the vaccine
To find out more, email phu@awh.org.au