There has been a global increase in mpox, including in Australia, since 2022, affecting mainly men who have sex with men.
Since January 2023, there has been an outbreak of a more severe strain of mpox in central and eastern Africa.
For the most up to date international travel information, visit Smartraveller.
On 14 August 2024, the World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak in central and eastern Africa a public health emergency of international concern.
Mpox is an infection caused by monkeypox virus. Infection mostly happens from direct skin to skin or sexual activity.
The strain circulating in central and eastern Africa appears to be more severe and may be spreading more easily than the strain currently circulating in Australia and globally. The strain currently circulating in Africa is spreading from person-to-person through sexual contact, household contact, and within healthcare settings.
For more information on mpox, visit the NSW Health mpox hub.
Vaccination against mpox is not currently recommended for travel, unless you are already eligible. Find out if you are eligible for mpox vaccination.
If you are travelling to central or eastern Africa, you should:
If you are travelling elsewhere in the world, you should:
If you get symptoms of mpox such as a skin rash or lesions (sores) with or without fever and chills, you should:
If you have travelled to central or eastern Africa, you should monitor for symptoms. If you get symptoms of mpox within 21 days after leaving, you should:
Read more information on people who have come in contact with mpox.
If you have any concerns, call your call your GP or local sexual health clinic (SHC).