Mpox symptoms typically include a flu-like illness (including fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chills or tiredness) that progresses to blisters, lessions or sores.  These skin changes can occur on any part of the body, including your face and mouth, arms and legs, genitals and anus.

Symptoms of mpox usually show up between one and three weeks after exposure.   

Mpox can be spread through:

• direct contact with mpox skin lesions or sores, most commonly though sexual or intimate contact.
• direct contact with bedding/clothing, towels and some other objects (including sex toys)used by someone with mpox.

People with mpox can pass on the virus from when they first develop symptoms, up until their lesions/sores crust, dry and fall off.  This usually takes about two to four weeks.

Communities at higher risk of mpox can be vaccinated for free.  Eligible communities include:

• gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• people who have sex with MSM - this may include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender or cisgender, and non-binary people
• anyone who is an mpox close contact

If you meet the above criteria, you can book a vaccine appointment with us by calling 0800 739 432 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).

For more information, you can also speak to your GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

To get the best protection you will need two vaccine doses, at least four weeks apart. Some people can still develop mpox after the vaccine, but their symptoms tend to be much milder and there is less chance of serious complications.  You will therefore still need to take steps to avoid being exposed to mpox even after your vaccination.

For more information on the mpox vaccine visit immunise.health.nz/mpox

To reduce the risk of catching mpox:

• get vaccinated, if you are eligible
• make sure you feel healthy and have no mpox sysmptoms before having close physical or sexual skin-to-skin contact with others
• avoid close contact with someone who has mpox or mpox symptoms
• avoid direct contact with the skin rashes, lesions or scabs, or bodily fluids of someone with mpox
• avoid physical contact with the clothing, bedding or towels of a person with mpox

If you test positive for mpox, public health staff will contact you to provide advice on your symptoms and precautionary measures to prevent spreading mpox to other people.  You will not be asked to isolate.

For some people with mpox the skin lesions or sores can become itchy or painful.  Your healthcare provider can prescribe pain relief if you need it.

Occasionally people with mpox can become very sick.  If your symptoms are getting worse, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

If you need to attend a healthcare setting call ahead to let them know you have mpox before visiting.  Cover any lesions or sores and wear a mask during your visit.

If you are feeling seriously unwell and require the support of emergency services, call and ambulance on 111 and let them know you have mpox.

The virus may still be present in your semen for three months after your symptoms have gone away.  Condom use during sexual activity is recommended where semen could come into contact with another person.  For more information and advice contact sexual health.

If you think you may have been exposed to mpox and have not heard from a health professional: 

• contact Auckland Sexual Health Service
• call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116
• contact your doctor or healthcare provider

If you have been exposed to mpox you should monitor for symptoms for 21 days from when you last had close contact with the person with mpox.  Health staff can give you guidance on how to identify symptoms within 21 days contact your healthcare provider for further advice.

For more information visit:

• Info.health - mpox
• Info.health - mpox vaccination
• Burnett Foundation - mpox

For help and advice in other regions, please contact your nerest sexual health service, regional pubic health services or GP or health provider.  You can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.