Advice for mpox contacts

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads mostly through skin-to-skin contact with rashes, blisters and sores or contact with bodily fluids from a person with mpox.

Symptoms normally start 3 to 21 days after contact with someone who has mpox. People who are fully vaccinated against mpox may only have mild symptoms.

How to know if you are a contact

You may have been told by a person you know or a Local Public Health Unit (LPHU) that you have been in contact with someone with mpox.

You may be identified as a contact if:

• You had sex with someone with mpox.
• You had physical contact with someone with mpox.
• You live with someone with mpox.
• You may have had contact with contaminated items, such as clothes or bed linen.

What to do if you are identified as a contact

If you are identified as a contact of mpox, it means that you have been in close contact with a person with mpox while they were infectious, which puts you at risk of becoming infected.

Local Public Health Units (LPHUs) will advise contacts about the need to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, and precautions to follow. In some instances, you may be offered a vaccine following exposure to reduce your risk of mpox.

In addition, for 21 days after exposure, you should:

• Avoid close contact with those at higher risk of severe disease such as children, older people, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system.
• Avoid high risk settings, such as childcare, aged care and healthcare facilities, unless attending for work or seeking medical attention.
• Ensure you are symptom-free, particularly if working in a high-risk setting.
• Not donate blood, cells, human tissue, breast milk, semen, or organs.

You may be advised to abstain from sexual activity for 21 days after exposure if you have had a high-risk exposure (e.g. from sex) to mpox. In the rare circumstance that you are a contact of a person suspected of having a different strain of the monkeypox virus that is not currently circulating in Australia, you may be followed up more closely by the LPHU and be required to take further precautions.

If you develop symptoms

If you develop symptoms of mpox you should seek medical care and testing without delay. Mpox testing can be done in any primary care service (GP clinic) or sexual health service. Wear a mask and call ahead to the clinic 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.

While waiting for your mpox results:

• Do not have close or intimate contact with others, including sex and skin-to-skin contact.
• Cover sores when around other people or pets. Use a waterproof dressing or bandage and wear clothing.
• Wear a surgical mask when around other people or pets if you have a sore throat, oral lesions or are coughing.
• Wash hands with soap and water regularly and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your face or rubbing your eyes, especially if you have blisters on or near your eyes or hands.

Where to get help

• Find your Local Public Health Unit
• 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