Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Mpox (monkeypox) is a disease that is caused by infection with the mpox virus. It typically results in a mild illness associated with a rash. It is spread mostly through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox. Most people recover within a few weeks.
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What are the symptoms of mpox?
Symptoms of mpox can include rash, fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, headache, anal or rectal pain, or pain on urination.
The rash can be painful and affect any part of the body. The most commonly affected parts include the genitals, area around the anus and buttocks, inside the mouth, face, hands, arms, feet and legs. The rash may involve vesicles, pustules, pimples or ulcers. The number of lesions varies. The rash may change and go through different stages, like chickenpox, before finally becoming a scab that falls off.
Other general symptoms can occur before or alongside the rash.
Symptoms can develop up to 21 days from last exposure.
What do you need to do as a low-risk contact?
If you are identified as a low-risk contact it means that you may have had brief contact with a person with mpox while they were infectious. The risk of you becoming infected is very low.
As a precaution you should monitor for symptoms for 21 days from the date of last exposure. In some instances, you may be advised to follow precautions by your Local Public Health Unit (LPHU) or the Department of Health.
What should you do if you develop symptoms of mpox?
If you develop symptoms of mpox you should stay at home, restrict your contact with others, and seek medical care and testing without delay.
Wear a mask and call your GP clinic, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, or your nearest sexual health service to let them know you will be attending. If you have any rashes, lesions, sores or scabs make sure these are covered.
Contact your LPHU to let them know you have developed symptoms.
Where can you get help?
- Always call an ambulance in an emergency (triple zero) Tel. 000
- Emergency department of your nearest hospital
- Your GP (doctor)
- NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days) – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) Tel. (03) 9347 8619
- Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
- Counselling and support services are available through your GP or health service. Further information can also be found on the Department of Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs website
More information
For more information, see Mpox (monkeypox).