Mpox (Monkeypox)
Mpox (Monkeypox) is a viral disease. It is not very contagious and is most commonly passed on through close physical or sexual contact. Cases have been identified in New Zealand but the risk of catching the virus remains low.
If you think you may have been exposed to Mpox or if you develop symptoms, especially a rash, you should stay home, self-isolate and seek medical advice. You can contact your nearest sexual health clinic, your GP, or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
People at greater risk of mpox can book a consultation to discuss mpox prevention options. At the consultation a health professional will discuss your risk of exposure to mpox, and options, benefits and risks of vaccination. Following the consultation a vaccination may be prescribed.
People in Auckland can book an Mpox prevention consultation by calling Auckland Sexual Health on 0800 739 432.
Mpox symptoms can include a rash, spots or blisters. Some people also develop cold and flu symptoms, including a fever or swollen glands.
If you develop symptoms stay home, self-isolate and seek advice. Many illnesses can cause similar symptoms so it may not be Mpox, 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. 
Mpox is a viral infection that is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus.
It 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, Mpox can also be passed on through breathing in droplets exhaled 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 and fall off. This will normally span around two to four weeks.
In countries where it is endemic (eg, Western Africa) animals sometimes harbour the virus and it can be passed on to humans through contact. When travelling to a country where Mpox is endemic it’s important to avoid contact with animals, especially any that are sick or have been found dead.
While anyone can get Mpox, the current global outbreak has disproportionately impacted:
- men who have sex with men (MSM)
- people who have sex with MSM. This may include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender or cisgender, and non-binary people.
There is higher risk for these communities, especially amongst anyone who may have multiple or anonymous sexual partners.
Tests for Mpox can be carried out at a medical practice or a sexual health clinic. You cannot get a Mpox test from a COVID-19 Community Testing Centre.
The test and consultation will be free.
The test involves swabs of any lesions on your skin and/or a throat swab. The tests need to be carried out by a medical professional and cannot be done by a patient themselves.
It normally takes around 48 hours to get a result from the test. If the test shows you have Mpox, a public health professional will be in touch shortly after to provide further advice.
While you’re waiting for your result it’s important to stay home, self-isolate and avoid close contact with other people, including those you live with.
Mpox is a notifiable disease. This means that we will be told if someone tests positive for Mpox.
This allows us to monitor the number of people who have the disease, and means we can give people with Mpox advice on isolating, what to expect, and how to reduce the spread of the virus. We will also work with the case and sexual health services to identify and contact anyone else who may have been at risk of catching the virus. People with Mpox are contacted regularly by our team while isolating.
Guidance on what expect if you have Mpox is available from Health New Zealand (NZ) - Te Whatu Ora.
Last updated 11.1.2024