Mpox cases increase in Victoria as GPs urged to test symptomatic patients
16 Sep 2026
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Caroline McElnay, has reminded clinicians that vaccination does not completely prevent infection. Vaccinated people may still develop mpox and can have milder or less typical symptoms.
While mpox has mainly affected men who have sex with men, anyone exposed to the virus can become infected.
Eligible people at increased risk are being encouraged to receive free mpox vaccination and check whether they have received both recommended doses.
People with suspected mpox should cover any rash or skin lesions and avoid close contact with others while waiting for test results. Those attending a medical centre should also wear a mask.
Symptoms can include fever or chills, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and tiredness. Some people may also experience genital or rectal pain, pain when urinating or passing stools, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain.
A rash or skin lesions often develop after the first symptoms. They can be painful and may appear on different parts of the body, including the mouth, genital area and rectal area.
Symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Most people have a mild illness and recover within a few weeks, although some can develop more serious illness requiring hospital care.
In Australia, men who have sex with men and their sexual partners remain among those at higher risk. The risk can be higher for people with multiple or casual sexual partners.
Mpox can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated items such as clothing, towels, bedding and sex toys.
Victoria’s health advice says clinicians should test patients with symptoms consistent with mpox, including sexually active patients, regardless of their sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.
Mpox cases increase in Victoria as GPs urged to test symptomatic patients
Source: Victorian Department of Health, Australian Centre for Disease Control.