Mpox

Mpox is a viral disease. It’s not very infectious. You are most likely to get infected if you have had close contact with someone from a country with a known mpox outbreak. Mpox doesn’t spread very easily from person to person.

When mpox does spread, it spreads through: 

• Close body contact or sex 
• Kissing 
• Clothing, bedding, or towels 
• Direct contact with mpox skin lesions or scabs 
• Spit droplets spread by a person talking, breathing, coughing, or sneezing 

If you have mpox, you might notice these symptoms first: 

• Headache 
• Fever 
• Chills 
• Swelling under your armpits 
• Achy muscles and body 
• Backache 
• Tiredness 

After that, you might notice: 

• A spreading rash 

The mpox rash usually starts a few days after infection. It starts at the place of infection, and then spreads to other parts of the body.

You might get a rash on:

• The palms of your hands
• The soles of your feet
• Inside your mouth
• Your genitals or anus, or around your genitals or anus

If you are concerned you may have mpox, stay at home and call your GP, Healthline (0800 611 116) or you local Sexual Health Service. 

If you think you may have been exposed to mpox or if you develop symptoms, you should stay home and seek medical advice. This is especially important if you have a rash. 

Call your GP, Healthline (0800 611 116) or your Sexual Health clinic for more information.  

Condoms, and oral dams are good protection against mpox — but they don’t necessarily prevent mpox transmission. This is because mpox can also be passed from person to through skin-to-skin contact, contact with a mypox case’s lesions, or contact with clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox.

Health New Zealand has more information about mpox, and how to protect yourself from mpox. 

If you have mpox symptoms, particularly a rash, you should isolate from others. Call your GP, Healthline (0800 611 116) or your local Sexual Health Service for advice.

Wear a mask. If you have a rash or blisters, make sure they are covered. It’s important to avoid close contact — including sex — until you get treatment from your nurse or doctor.