Monkeypox

A monkeypox (mpox) vaccine can help reduce your risk and is generally recommended for those who are travelling to countries where the disease is endemic. Mpox is a rare viral disease primarily spread through contact with infected animals or direct contact with people who have contracted the infection. If travelling to certain areas overseas, immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.

MediADVICE Pharmacists can provide monkeypox vaccinations for customers aged over 5 years in VIC.

Fees may apply.

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Monkeypox (also called mpox) is a rare, infectious disease that is transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic disease) caused by the monkeypox virus.1 It’s usually found in tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. However, since May 2022, monkeypox has spread to many countries throughout Europe, North America and Australia.

Monkeypox is a notifiable disease in Australia.2 That means health authorities must be notified if you have the disease.

Symptoms of monkeypox

Symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within one or two weeks of exposure to the virus. The illness is usually mild but is characterised by a rash, lesions or sores resembling pimples. These eventually fill with fluid and burst to form ulcers and scabs.

The rash usually begins as flat, red spots in the mouth or on the face. It then spreads to other parts of the body and may also appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and other hard-to-see areas such as the genitals, anus or buttocks. The lesions resemble chickenpox but are usually larger. There may be anywhere from a few to several thousand lesions.3

Other symptoms can include:4

  • swollen lymph nodes (glands)

  • headache

  • fever

  • chills

  • muscle aches and joint pain

  • backache

  • extreme fatigue.

The illness usually lasts two to four weeks with a person being contagious from the time they develop symptoms, to after all scabs have healed and new skin has formed.

How is monkeypox transmitted?

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which is related to the virus that causes smallpox. It can be spread in two ways.

1. Person-to-person

The virus can spread through:

  • physical contact with skin rashes, lesions or sores

  • infected bodily fluids, including semen and genital excretions

  • touching bedding, towels, clothing or nappies used by an infected person

  • infected droplets from coughs or sneezes (although prolonged close contact is usually needed).

2. Animal-to-person

In Africa, some wild animals such as rats or squirrels carry the monkeypox virus. This can be transmitted to humans through:

  • bites and scratches

  • contact with blood, fluids, skin or bedding of an infected animal

  • eating or preparing meat from an infected animal.

How is monkeypox diagnosed?

Monkeypox is diagnosed by testing fluid from the blisters, or scabs from the rash and checking for the monkeypox virus.

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What’s the treatment for monkeypox?

Generally, there is no special treatment for monkeypox as most people will have a mild illness. Any treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Most people will only need over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief such as paracetamol and oral fluids to stay hydrated. However, some people with a compromised immune system may experience a more severe illness. Sometimes intravenous fluids and pain relief may be necessary to control fever and pain.

Is monkeypox dangerous?

Monkeypox is not dangerous. But it is contagious. If you have monkeypox you should isolate until all your blisters have healed and you are no longer infectious. If you suspect you have the virus, you should stay home, limit your contact with others and visit your doctor to get tested. Make sure you wear a mask when going to the doctor.

If you are diagnosed with monkeypox, you should continue to avoid contact with other people until all your blisters have healed. You should also avoid contact with animals, including your pets, as there is a risk of human-to-animal transmission.

You should also avoid any sexual contact while you are infectious, and use condoms for eight weeks after you recover.

When to see your doctor?

If you suspect you have monkeypox, see your doctor immediately for testing.

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Can you prevent monkeypox?

You can prevent monkeypox in several ways.

  • Get vaccinated. The smallpox vaccine is 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.10 Currently, supplies of vaccines are limited and only available for high-risk groups so speak to your doctor about your risk for monkeypox.

  • Avoid contact with people who have monkeypox.

  • Practice good hand hygiene by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

  • Use protective equipment such as gloves, facemask and eye protection if caring for someone with monkeypox.

  • If travelling to West or Central Africa, you should avoid contact with wild animals and avoid handling or eating wild game.

  • If diagnosed with monkeypox, alert anyone you have been in close contact with, so they can get tested and isolate if necessary.

Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. We can provide advice on medication, vaccinations, and other products, including OTC pain relief and oral hydration solutions that can help you manage a range of health conditions. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.

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Sources

1World Health Organization, Monkeypox,https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
2Australian Government, National Health Security (National Notifiable Disease List) Instrument,https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2022C00605
3Healthdirect, Monkeypox,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/monkeypox
4Department of Health and Aged Care, Mpox (monkeypox),https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/monkeypox-mpox
5Department of Health and Aged Care, Mpox (monkeypox),https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/monkeypox-mpox
6Healthdirect, Monkeypox,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/monkeypox
7NSW Health, Monkeypox (Mpox),https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/monkeypox.aspx
8Better Health Channel, Mpox (monkeypox),http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mpox-monkeypox
9NSW Health, Monkeypox (Mpox),https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/monkeypox.aspx
10Better Health Channel, Mpox (monkeypox),http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mpox-monkeypox
11Healthdirect, Monkeypox,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/monkeypox

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Disclaimer

General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.