Just The Facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections

MPOX

What is it?

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a viral disease. It is spread mainly through close contact between people, including sexual contact, although it is not technically an STI.

How do you get it?

Mpox can be spread through contact with skin lesions and bodily fluids. In rare cases it may be transmitted through respiratory droplets

  • Read more

    Mpox can be spread through skin-to-skin contact (touching, kissing, anal or vaginal sex) and mouth to skin contact (oral sex). It is also possible for mpox to live on clothing, bedding, towels and surfaces that have come into contact with someone with an mpox rash.


    Mpox may be spread from a person to a fetus or during birth. 


    It is possible for mpox to be spread through respiratory droplets but this is rare. The virus also has the potential to pass from humans to animals, and between animals, but this is extremely rare.


    In the global mpox outbreak that has emerged since 2022, most cases have been among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is a skin rash (blisters or sores) on the face, palms, soles of feet, groin, genital and anal regions. There also may be lesions found in the mouth, throat, anus, rectum and vagina.

  • Read more

    You might be infectious until all of the lesions have crusted over, scabs have fallen off and a new layer of skin has formed underneath the lesions. This usually takes 2-4 weeks. The number of lesions can vary greatly from person to person.


    Other symptoms include: Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen glands (lymph nodes),  anal pain and/or anal bleeding.

Is it serious?

In most cases, symptoms of mpox resolve by themselves with supportive care (hydration, rest). The illness may become more severe or even life-threatening in some people at risk, for example those who are pregnant, children, and immunocompromised.

How do you get tested?

Testing for mpox is free for anyone in New Zealand displaying symptoms, or if you have been asked to test (i.e. if you're a close contact of someone with mpox). A swab sample will be taken from one or more lesions. Swabs from the rectum, throat, or vagina may also be taken, as well as a blood test.

  • Read more

    You need to get tested for mpox if you have one or both of the following:

    • Pain, discomfort, and bleeding in or around the anus
    • Any new skin changes such as rashes or spots anywhere on your body - it is important to take extra care to look in teh genital and anal area where spots may be less noticeable initially

    If you are experiencing symptoms, isolate at home and seek health advice. 


    The swabs taken shouldn't be painful. You might be asked to isolate until your results are back. This is based on a risk assessment conducted by your health professional, who will contact you and provide guidance through this process. 

Treatment

In most cases, symptoms of mpox resolve by themselves with supportive care (hydration, rest). There is an antiviral medication called Tecovirimat that is available in exceptional circumstances.

Prevention

Vaccines are approved internationally for the prevention of mpox. In Aotearoa, the vaccine is an unapproved medicine and so a consultation is first required to discuss your eligibility. Contact your local sexual health clinic to discuss this further.

  • Read more

    The vaccine is free and available to:

    • Gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM)
    • Trans and non-binary people who have sex with men
    • Anyone who has come into close contact with someone infection with mpox

    It is also recommended that you avoid close contact with anyone who has mpox and clean materials that may have been touched by someone with an mpox rash with disinfectant.

Telling your sexual partner/s

Any close contacts, including sexual partners, will need to know if you have mpox so that they can get the care they need. Your healthcare provider can help you identify who needs to know, and help you tell them.

Note: External genitalia is commonly referred to as the ‘vagina’, although the correct term is actually the vulva. We’ll stick with vagina as that’s the term most people use.
Share by: