Monkey Pox

Symptoms and seeking advice

Monkeypox (MPX) symptoms can include a rash, spots or blisters. Some people also develop cold and flu symptoms, including a fever or swollen glands. 

You’re more likely to have caught MPX if you’ve had close physical or sexual contact with someone who has MPX or MPX symptoms, and either you or they have recently returned from overseas.

If you develop symptoms stay home, self-isolate and seek advice. Many illnesses can cause similar symptoms so it may not be MPX, but it’s important to get help.  

Contact a sexual health clinic for free advice, call your GP, or ring Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116. 

How Monkeypox spreads

Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral infection, that is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has MPX. 

There has recently been an increase in cases globally, but the risk of catching it is low. The virus is not as contagious as some other diseases, such as measles or COVID-19. 

MPX is not easily spread from person to person. The ways the virus can be passed on include:

• Close physical, intimate or sexual contact with someone who has MPX, via skin-to-skin contact
• Direct contact with the skin rashes, lesions, scabs or bodily fluids of someone with MPX
• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with a MPX rash

While rare, MPX can also be passed on through breathing in droplets breathed out by someone who has the virus. As this requires prolonged contact and for people to be very close together the risk of the virus spreading in this way is very low. 

People are normally infectious and can pass on the virus from when they first develop symptoms, up until their lesions or scabs crust, dry or fall off. This will normally span around two to four weeks. 

Avoiding transmission

People who have symptoms that could be Monkeypox (MPX) should stay home, self-isolate and seek medical advice by calling sexual health services, their GP, or Healthline on 0800 611 116. 

You’re more likely to have caught MPX if you’ve had close physical or sexual contact with someone who has MPX or MPX symptoms, and either you or they have recently returned from overseas.

If people with symptoms need medical care they should call ahead to the medical practice or hospital before visiting to let them know they are coming, and advise them of their symptoms. They should also wear a well-fitted medical mask, cover any rashes or blisters on their skin, and travel via private transport.

Safe sex advice

While it’s always important to practice safe sex, wearing a condom does not necessarily prevent you from passing on the virus if you have it. This is because MPX can be passed from person to person through:

• Close physical, intimate or sexual contact with someone who has MPX, via skin-to-skin contact
• Direct contact with the skin rashes, lesions, scabs or bodily fluids of someone with MPX
• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with a MPX rash

If you develop symptoms, stay home, self-isolate and seek advice. Many illnesses can cause similar symptoms so it may not be MPX, but it’s important to get help.  

Who’s most at risk

Although Monkeypox (MPX) cases have increased globally, the virus is not spreading in New Zealand at the moment and the risk of widespread community transmission remains low.

While anyone can get MPX, the current global outbreak has disproportionately impacted:

• men who have sex with men and
• people who have sex with men who have sex with men. This may include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender, cisgender, and non-binary people
• There is higher risk for these communities, particularly if there are multiple or anonymous sexual partners

Anyone who will have close physical or sexual contact while overseas or with people who’ve recently been overseas, is advised to be mindful of MPX symptoms. This is particularly important for men who have sex with men and people who have sex with men who have sex with men, and anyone who has multiple or anonymous sexual partners. 

For information on testing, treatment and support, please visit here.