HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Mpox
Te koroputa maki
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral disease that can pass between animals and humans. This is known as a zoonotic disease. It was first identified in humans in 1970.
Previously, mpox was usually only found in Western Africa but there are now cases around the world, including in New Zealand.
It is a notifiable disease in New Zealand, meaning it must be reported to the local medical officer of health.
Mpox does not easily spread between people, but you can catch it in the following ways:
- direct contact with the infectious rash or body fluids such as pus or blood
- contact with saliva from an infected person, such as during kissing
- from touching clothing and items that have been contaminated with the virus
- pēpi (babies) in the womb can catch it from their mothers.
Symptoms of mpox
You will not notice symptoms of mpox until 1 to 3 weeks after you catch the virus. The first symptoms of mpox are usually:
- headache
- fever (greater than 38°C)
- chills
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen lymph nodes (this is a symptom that differs from chickenpox)
- chills
- exhaustion.
A rash generally appears after a few days. It usually starts on your face then spreads to other parts of your body. It may also appear on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, inside your mouth or on your genitals.
Mpox is usually a mild illness, but a small number of people become very unwell.
Getting help with mpox
If you think you may have been exposed to mpox and you develop symptoms, particularly a rash, stay away from other people. Call your general practice team, Sexual Health Centre or Healthline (0800-611-116) for advice.
If a health professional wants to see you, wear a mask and cover any rash or blisters.
If you are identified as a close contact of someone with mpox, your local public health unit will guide you with monitoring your symptoms for 21 days from your last contact with that person.
Treating mpox
The treatment for mpox mainly aims to reduce the symptoms. It includes rest and paracetamol.
The illness is usually mild, and recovery usually takes a few weeks.
Preventing mpox
If you have been in contact with a person or animal with mpox, wash your hands really thoroughly.
Avoid close contact with people with suspected or confirmed mpox and do not share their clothing or bedding.
If you are travelling to a region where mpox is known to be present, avoid contact with animals that could have the virus.
Vaccination
The mpox vaccine is now available in New Zealand.
The vaccine is free and available to those considered high risk. This includes gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). It also includes people who have sex with MSM, and anyone who is a close contact of someone who has been infected with mpox.
You will need to have a consultation with a health professional to discuss your risk of exposure to mpox and options, benefits and risks of vaccination.
To check your eligibility, contact your general practice team or the Sexual Health Centre.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Burnett Foundation Aotearoa – Mpox
Information about mpox, including ways to prevent it spreading.
- Health Information and Services – Mpox
More detailed information about mpox
Content shared between HealthInfo Canterbury, KidsHealth and Health Navigator NZ as part of a National Health Content Hub collaborative. Page created July 2022. Last updated October 2024.
SourcesReview key: HIMON-1032105
