MPOX (Monkeypox) alert
We are seeing a rising number of MPOX cases locally amongst gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men. MPOX is a viral infection caused by the monkey pox virus first detected in Australia in 2022. Over the past two months over 600 cases have been detected nationally and we are now seeing around 50 new cases a week in Sydney (as of September 2024).
What are the symptoms of MPOX?
- Early symptoms include:
- fever or chills
- headache
- muscle aches and back aches
- tiredness
- swollen lymph nodes.
Usual symptoms include:
- rashes, pimple-like lesions or sores, particularly in areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus or buttocks
- ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth
- rectal pain (pain in and around the anus), which may occur without a rash.
People with mpox may be infectious up to 4 days before symptoms start.
People with mpox are infectious until:
- all the lesions (sores) have crusted
- scabs have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed underneath
- any rectal pain is completely gone.
- Most people develop symptoms 1-2 weeks after exposure but the incubation period (the time from infection to the onset of symptoms) of mpox can be up to 21 days.
- People may experience all or only a few of these symptoms. Most people with mpox will get a rash, while others may develop sores before developing flu-like symptoms. Some may not develop any flu-like symptoms at all.
How is MPOX transmitted?
Mpox is transmitted through close physical (skin to skin) contact with someone who has symptoms. This includes through:
- Skin rashes, lesions or sores
- Bodily fluids (such as fluid, pus or blood from skin lesions)
- Scabs
- Ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth (meaning the virus can spread through kissing)
- Ulcers, lesions or sores in and around the anal area and anus
- Clothing, linens or objects that have come into contact with a person who has mpox can also infect others.
You can also catch mpox when a person with mpox has respiratory symptoms and sneezes or coughs and you inhale infected droplets.
It may be passed on during sex. It is not known how long mpox remains present in semen and other genital excretions. People who have recovered from mpox should use condoms when engaging in sexual activity for eight weeks after recovery.
How is mpox treated?
Most people with mpox have a mild illness meaning that it resolves within 3-4 weeks without specific treatment. Topical and oral pain relief medication can be prescribed by your doctor. For people with HIV or immunocomprise it is important to seek advice from a doctor.
How can MPOX be prevented?
There is a free vaccine available which helps reduce the risk of catching and spreading MPOX called JYNEOS. While there are break through cases in people who have been vaccinated, the vaccine also significantly reduces the severity of symptoms.
The vaccine is free and a Medicare card is not needed. Two doses are required. Anyone who has only received one dose of the vaccine should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first.
Other ways to protect yourself from mpox:
- exchanging contact information with sexual partners. This means that if a partner develops mpox you can be contacted and offered vaccination to prevent mpox (post-exposure preventative vaccination)
- avoiding close contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms
- avoiding contact with infected materials, such as bedding or towels from a person with mpox
- practicing good hand hygiene.
Who can get the vaccine?
All sexually active gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men (cis and trans), as well as anyone who has sex with these men, including women (cis and trans), and non-binary people, and sex workers are eligible to get the vaccine.
Where can I get the vaccine?
The closest vaccine hub is at RPA HealthOne in Green Square, however there are multiple other vaccine clinics throughout NSW: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mpox/Pages/mpox-clinics.aspx
What should I do if I develop symptoms or have been exposed to mpox?
If you develop any symptoms or think you have been exposed to mpox:
- Avoid contact with others and seek medical attention immediately.
- Call your GP or local sexual health clinic via phone before arriving and let them know if you suspect you have MPOX.
- Call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
Remember:
- Do not attend a health service in the first instance – call first.
- Avoid public transport.
- Wear a surgical mask.
- Cover any lesions with clothing or dressings.
- Avoid sex or being intimate with anyone until examined.
- Avoid gatherings, particularly if they involve close, skin-to-skin contact with other people.
I’ve just been told I’m a close contact for mpox. What should I do now?
If you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for mpox, you will receive a call from the Public Health Unit.
Follow the Public Health Unit’s recommendations, including instructions on if and when and how to attend a health service for review.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
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