Mpox

Mpox is a viral infection. Symptoms are usually a rash or lesions.

Mpox vaccination is available for those most at risk of catching it. Vaccination protects against MPOX, and reduces the risk of complications in those who develop the illness.

Do I need an STI test?

Mpox is a viral disease previously known as “monkeypox”.

Mpox is passed on through close physical contact with someone’s mpox lesions or the fluid from the lesions.  

In Aotearoa, mpox is mostly spread during sexual contact. Mpox can affect anyone, but globally it has mostly affected men who have sex with men. 

Previously mpox was mostly found in central and western Africa. But since 2022, cases have spread around the world, including in Aotearoa.

Some people don’t have obvious symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they usually show a week after exposure to mpox.

If you have mpox, you might first notice flu or cold symptoms. 

Soon after that, you might notice:

• lesions – painful red or white bumps, blisters, or sores
• a rash that starts on your face then spreads to other parts of your body

You might notice lesions on:

• your genitals or anus, or around these areas
• outside or inside of your mouth or throat
• your face 

You may also have pain or bleeding from your anus. 

The rash will go through several stages before healing. Lesions may fill with fluid, crust over, and eventually scab and flake off. This can be quite painful or itchy and your skin can take a few weeks to heal.

Once the lesions have healed and new skin has formed underneath, you’ll no longer be infectious. For three months after symptoms have gone, the virus may still be present in semen – so you should use condoms during that time.  

Sometimes the symptoms of mpox can be very mild, or you can have a rash without any other symptoms. You can only test for mpox if you have symptoms. 

You are not automatically required to isolate while waiting for mpox test results. You may have to avoid close contact – including hugging, kissing, sharing bedding and towels, and sexual contact.

If you have symptoms of an STI, make an appointment with:  

• a sexual health clinic
• your usual doctor
• a medical centre

Find a provider

Talk to the provider or organisation where you did your test to find out when they’ll let you know the results.

Mpox is usually mild and can get better within a few weeks without treatment but there are ways to help you feel better at home.

It’s important you keep all your lesions covered until they heal fully. But you don’t have to isolate unless the lesions are very widespread across your body. 

Some people have complications – for example, they may be in a lot of pain, or their lesions may become infected. Sometimes this means they need to go to hospital.  

Vaccination against mpox is available in Aotearoa New Zealand for those most at risk of catching it. It can help: 

• reduce the chance of getting mpox 
• reduce the risk of complications and hospitalisation 
• reduce the risk of passing on mpox 

You can be vaccinated for mpox as a preventative measure if you’re at a high risk of getting it.

You can also be vaccinated after you’ve been exposed to someone with mpox. It’s best to get vaccination as soon as possible after you’ve been exposed, but you may be offered this up to 14 days after. 

• keep all lesions covered until they fully heal and new skin has formed over them

• don’t have sex or skin-to-skin contact until after your lesions have healed completely and new skin has formed over them

• if it's safe, tell people that you have had sexual contact with recently that they might need an STI test or treatment

• keep your clothes, bed sheets, and towels separate from other people use a hot wash to clean them 

Vaccination against mpox is available in Aotearoa New Zealand for those most at risk of catching it. This is the best way to protect yourself from mpox.

Keeping lesions covered until they’re fully healed, getting vaccinated, and avoiding sexual contact until lesions are fully healed is the best way to protect yourself from mpox. 

Condoms and oral dams also help to reduce the risk of getting mpox.

More about STI prevention