This fact sheet is for people how have been told they have been in contact with someone with mpox. It provides information on what you should do, vaccination, symptoms, and testing.
A health professional from a sexual health clinic or public health unit (PHU), will let you know you have been in contact with someone with mpox.
You may also be told by a person you know that you are a contact.
Reasons you might be a contact:
If you are a contact of someone with mpox you can contact your PHU on 1300 066 055 if you have any concerns.
There is a risk of getting sick with mpox for 21 days after your last contact with someone with mpox. For 21 days, all people who have been in contact with someone with mpox should:
If you had sex or intimate contact with someone with mpox, for 21 days you should:
If you work in healthcare, childcare or aged care, please contact your local PHU on 1300 066 055 so they can tell you what need to do to stop the spread of mpox to others in your workplace.
If it is less than 14 days since you last had contact with someone with mpox and you have not already received two doses of mpox vaccine you are recommended to have the mpox vaccine as post-exposure preventative vaccination (PEPV). The vaccine works best the sooner it is given (ideally within 4 days of contact with mpox), but still offers protection after this time.
If you are eligible to have mpox vaccination you should get vaccinated even if it’s longer than 14 days since your last contact with someone from mpox. Find out who should be vaccinated and how to book your vaccination.
Vaccination is free, even if you do not have a Medicare card.
Symptoms can begin 3-21 days after contact with someone who has mpox.
Some people may get early symptoms such as:
Usual symptoms include:
People who are vaccinated against mpox you may only get mild symptoms, such as a single lesion (sore).
People with mpox infection may be infectious up to 4 days before symptoms start.
People with mpox are infectious until:
Most people with mpox get better within a few weeks without needing any specific treatment.
If you get symptoms of mpox, you should:
Testing is not recommended unless you get symptoms of mpox.
If you have any concerns you can call your call your GP or local sexual health clinic (SHC).
Support is available though:
Read the NSW Health Mpox fact sheet or visit the NSW Health website.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) straight away.
For free help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.