Overview

• A global outbreak of mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) started in 2022. Within this outbreak, mpox infection has almost exclusively been diagnosed among men who have sex with men, transmitted through sexual contact and other similarly close contact.
• Most mpox infections are mild and self-limiting, but severe infection and complications can occur, especially in people who are immunocompromised.
• Mpox is vaccine-preventable using vaccinia vaccine.

July 2024 Update: There has been an increase in Australian-based transmission of mpox in jurisdictions. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of mpox.
• continue to offer mpox vaccination as part of routine clinical practice for eligible patients
• consider mpox as a differential in GBM with an ulcer or vesicles.

August 2024 Update: The WHO has declared the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This outbreak relates to a new clade of mpox (clade Ib). This clade has not been identified in Australia.

For more information about the vaccine, please visit ASHM's mpox resource page.