Around the world and across Australia there are outbreaks of mpox. Four cases of mpox have been identified in the Northern Territory in 2024.
Mpox is a viral infection which spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
People considered to be most at risk of developing mpox include sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as sex workers and their sexual partners.
NT Health is urging those people most at risk to get vaccinated. Two doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart is recommended to ensure the best protection and reduce the severity of symptoms. The vaccine is free in the NT for people at risk of mpox and all appointments are private and confidential. You do not need a Medicare card to receive the vaccine.
NSW and Victoria are experiencing an outbreak of mpox, with a significant increase in cases. People travelling interstate or overseas, who are at risk of contracting mpox, are urged to get vaccinated. The majority of hospitalisations in NSW have been amongst people who are not fully vaccinated. Infections among people who are fully vaccinated have generally been milder and shorter in duration.
Signs and symptoms of mpox can start between five and 21 days after exposure and include:
a distinctive rash with lesions – flat bumps that become raised, fill with fluid and then crust and scabswollen lymph nodes – may appear as lumps in neck or groin regionfeverheadachemuscle achesjoint or back painchillsfatiguesore throatinflammation of the rectum – pain, discharge, bloody stools, diarrhoeamouth ulcers.
Mpox is usually mild and people recover within a few weeks. Mpox is not easily transmitted from person to person without prolonged close or intimate contact.
