Mpox continues to spread in the community

What is the issue?

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Cases are rising in Victoria with 52 cases reported since 1 August 2026. Several strains of the virus are currently circulating in many different parts of the world.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who is exposed to the monkeypox virus can develop mpox. In Australia, men who have sex with men and their sexual partners are most at risk. The risk of exposure is higher for people who have multiple or casual sexual partners, including those who engage in sexual activity at venues, events or group sex settings.

People with a weakened immune system, children and pregnant women are at greater risk of severe illness.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms of mpox can include the following:

• initial flu-like illness with fever or chills, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches or pains and tiredness
• a rash or skin lesions which usually develop after a few days. They can be painful and occur anywhere on the body, including the mouth, genital or rectal areas. They can start as sores or pimples, then fill with fluid to become blisters, before crusting over and forming scabs which eventually fall off.
• other symptoms can include genital or rectal pain, pain when urinating or passing stools, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure. Most people have a mild illness and recover within a few weeks. However, some people develop severe symptoms and need hospital care.

Mpox can spread:

• mainly through close contact with the rash or lesions of someone with mpox, such as during sexual activity
• through contact with contaminated objects, such as clothing, towels, bedding or sex toys
• through contact with respiratory droplets, from coughs or sneezes, and other body fluids, such as semen.

Recommendations

For clinicians

• Test for mpox in sexually active patients who have symptoms consistent with mpox, regardless of their sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.
• Be aware that vaccinated people can still develop mpox and may have milder or atypical symptoms.
• Advise patients with suspected mpox to cover any rash or skin lesions and limit close contact with others while waiting for test results.
• Notify any suspected or confirmed cases to the Department of Health and connecting to the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160 as soon as practicable and within 24 hours.
• Offer free mpox vaccination to eligible people at increased risk. Check whether they have received two doses and give a second dose if it is due.
• Visit our Mpox page page for more information on clinical presentations, testing, vaccination and notification:

For community members

• If you develop symptoms of mpox:
  • Seek testing for your doctor or sexual health clinic. Cover any rashes or skin lesions and wear a mask when you attend.
  • Avoid close contact and sexual activity with others until advised by your doctor.
• Discuss preventive mpox vaccination with your doctor. Two doses provide the best protection.
• Practice safer sex by using condoms and other barrier protection, washing hands and cleaning sex toys before and after use.
• Consider exchanging contact details with sexual partners where possible to help with contact tracing.
• Visit the Better Health Channel for more information about mpox, testing, vaccination and prevention