Mpox Continues to Spread in the Community
TL;DR
Mpox cases are rising in Victoria, and the virus continues to circulate in many parts of the world.
Location
Yarriambiack
Mpox Continues to Spread in the Community
Key Messages
Mpox cases are rising in Victoria, and the virus continues to circulate in many parts of the world.
Mpox mainly spreads through close contact with someone with mpox, such as during sexual activity.
Symptoms can include a rash or skin lesions, genital or rectal pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, tiredness and muscle aches or pains.
Mpox most often affects men who have sex with men, but anyone who is exposed to the virus can become infected.
Sexually active people with symptoms that may be mpox should get tested, regardless of their sexual orientation, travel history or vaccination status.
Free mpox vaccination, including second doses, is available for eligible groups at increased risk.
What is the Issue?
Mpox is an infection disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Cases are rising in Victoria with 52 cases reported since 01 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 are 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 groups 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 inlcude:
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 eeks. However, some people develop severe symptoms and need hospital care.
Mpox can spread:
mainly though 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 cough or sneezes, and other body fluids, such as semen.
Recommendations:
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 website
for more information about mpox, testing, vaccination and prevention.
Also visit the
Grampians Health website
for more information about accessing vaccination.
Related Information
Mpox - Better Health Channel
Mpox - Grampians Health
Community Safety