Key Messages

• Victoria has seen an increase in mpox cases, with 10 notifications since mid-September 2025, including 9 locally acquired in metropolitan Melbourne.

• Mpox primarily affects gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), but anyone can be infected.

• All sexually active individuals with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status, or travel history.

• Clinicians should remain alert to the possibility of mpox in other groups.

• Vaccination is recommended for all eligible at-risk individuals, including second doses. Free mpox vaccines are available via sexual health clinics, public hospitals, GPs, Aboriginal health services, councils, and pharmacies.

Issue

• Mpox cases are rising in Victoria, with local transmission concentrated in metropolitan Melbourne.

• This follows a brief increase in cases between July and August 2025 and the ongoing risk of imported infections from travellers.

• While GBMSM remain the most affected group, anyone in close, prolonged intimate contact with an infected person is at risk.

• Clinicians are encouraged to increase testing and promote vaccination to prevent further transmission.

• More information: Department of Health – Mpox

Who Is at Risk

• GBMSM and their sexual partners are currently most at risk.

• High-risk settings include venues or events involving close or group sexual contact.

• Anyone in close intimate contact with someone with mpox can be affected.

• Vaccination reduces risk but does not eliminate the possibility of infection.

Symptoms & Transmission

• Symptoms: lesions or rashes (including anogenital), urethral or rectal pain, proctitis, fever, chills, fatigue, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Most recover within weeks, though severe cases can occur.

• Transmission: through close skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, contaminated items, or respiratory droplets. Symptoms may appear up to 21 days post-exposure.

Recommendations for Clinicians

Testing:

• Test all sexually active individuals with compatible symptoms, regardless of orientation, vaccination, or travel history.

• Include mpox testing when testing for herpes simplex virus.

• Be alert to atypical presentations in fully or partially vaccinated individuals.

How to Test:

• Testing is primarily in primary care and safe with appropriate PPE (gloves, gown, mask, eye protection).

• Use suitable swabs (rash/lesion, anorectal, pharyngeal) and send to VIDRL via routine pathology providers.

Advice & Notification:

• Advise patients to cover lesions, abstain from sexual activity, and wear masks if symptomatic while awaiting results.

• Notify suspected or confirmed cases to your Local Public Health Unit (LPHU) at 1300 651 160.

Vaccination:

• Offer free JYNNEOS® vaccine to eligible GBMSM, sexual partners, and sex workers.

• Ensure patients complete two-dose vaccination for full protection.

• Refer patients to clinics offering mpox vaccination if unavailable locally.

Recommendations for People at Risk

• Mpox vaccines are free for eligible groups; two doses provide optimal protection.

• Limit sexual partners, keep partner contact information, and avoid sexual activity if symptomatic.

• If symptoms develop: cover lesions, wear a mask, reduce contact with others, and get tested at a GP or sexual health clinic.

More information: Better Health Channel – Mpox