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Mpox resources - communications toolkit

This toolkit has been designed to assist clinicians, health care providers and educators to raise awareness of mpox, the symptoms of mpox, how to prevent it, and treat it and to help ensure timely and consistent communications.

Resources can be downloaded directly from this page (e.g. right click) and the suggested text can be copy and pasted.

Social media resources

Note: When linking to HealthyWA please feel free to create a short hyperlink to healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/mpox-monkeypox (external link)

General awareness and education

What is mpox?

Mpox belongs to the same family as the smallpox virus but generally causes a milder illness.

Most people recover within 2–4 weeks.

Severe illness can develop in a small percentage of people.

Signs of mpox

Symptoms of mpox usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus.

Symptoms include sores, a rash, bumps or pimples on any part of the body.

Some people also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, exhaustion, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.

If you have symptoms, call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.

Returning from travel?

Some areas have higher rates of mpox. If you have recently travelled to an area with mpox, look out for symptoms. Particularly if you have had a new sexual partner whilst travelling.

Symptoms include sores, a rash, bumps or pimples on any part of the body.

Some people also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, exhaustion, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.

If you have symptoms, call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.

Who does mpox affect?

Mpox can affect anyone who comes into close contact with someone with the virus.

Many of the cases in the current outbreak are in men who have sex with men. 

Are you at risk of mpox?

Mpox can affect anyone who comes into close contact with someone with the virus.

Many of the cases are in men who have sex with men.

Cases in Australia
 

Have mpox symptoms?
Get tested.

Symptoms of mpox include sores, a rash, bumps or pimples on any part of the body.

Some people also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, exhaustion, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.

If you have symptoms, you will need to get tested.

Call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205. 

 

How is mpox spread?

Mpox is most often spread through:

  • skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox (including during sex)
  • prolonged face-to-face contact via respiratory droplets (such as coughs and sneezes)
  • contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding and towels) used by someone with mpox. 
 

Treatment of mpox

Most people with mpox will recover without any specific treatments.

The illness is usually mild, and recovery takes a few weeks.

In some people the sores can be very painful.

Over-the-counter pain medications and keeping up oral fluids help to manage symptoms.

Antiviral medications may be considered for people with severe symptoms.

For advice about mpox testing and treatment call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205. 

 

Prevention of mpox

To prevent getting mpox:

  • avoid skin-to-skin contact with people with suspected or confirmed mpox
  • do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox
  • wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • maintain physical distance and avoid skin-to-skin contact when at events attended by people likely to be at increased risk of having mpox
  • talk to your GP about mpox vaccination. 
 

Mpox vaccination

A vaccine for mpox is being offered to Western Australians at risk of contracting the virus. 

 

Cases of mpox have been notified in Australia

While the risk to the community in WA is low, monitor for symptoms - particularly if you have visited an area with confirmed mpox cases and had sex with a new partner. 

 

Mpox cases are increasing in Australia

While the risk to the community in WA is low, monitor for symptoms - particularly if you have visited an area with confirmed mpox cases and had sex with a new partner. 

Mpox in WA
 

Mpox cases have been notified in WA

While the risk to the community is low, monitor for symptoms - particularly if you have visited an area with confirmed mpox cases and had sex with a new partner.

 

Cases of mpox are increasing in WA

While the risk to the community is low, monitor for symptoms - particularly if you have visited an area with confirmed mpox cases and had sex with a new partner.

 

Need help with mpox?

Have questions about mpox?

Call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205. 

 

Translated mpox resources

If someone you know has an mpox question and needs an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 to request an interpreter in your preferred language.

Last reviewed: 29-07-2024

Contact us

The campaign is coordinated by the Communicable Disease Control Directorate in conjunction with the Communications Directorate.

Please contact us if you need further information or materials in alternative formats.

Email: communications@health.wa.gov.au

wa.gov.au