MPOX INFORMATION HUB
Mpox is still around: know the signs and reduce risk without stigma
Mpox is a viral infection spread mainly through close contact. Recognising a rash and other symptoms helps people seek care promptly and protect those around them.
Mpox is a viral infection spread mainly through close contact. Recognising a rash and other symptoms helps people seek care promptly and protect those around them.
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01
Symptoms to recognise
A rash can appear on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, genitals, or anus. It may initially resemble pimples or blisters, feel painful or itchy, and then scab before new skin forms.
Some people have fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, muscle pain, headache, or a sore throat. Others may have only a rash.
02
How mpox spreads
- Direct contact with a rash, scab, or infectious body fluid
- Hugging, kissing, massage, or sex involving close skin contact
- Sharing contaminated clothing, bedding, towels, or personal items
- Transmission during pregnancy or birth can occur
03
If you have a rash or possible exposure
Avoid close contact and sharing personal items. Cover lesions, wear a mask when meeting a provider, and explain the exposure history clearly.
Do not pick, scratch, or pop lesions. Seek clinical assessment, particularly for severe symptoms, pregnancy, a weakened immune system, or lesions affecting the eyes, mouth, genitals, or anus.
04
Reduce risk without stigma
- Talk with partners about new rashes or symptoms before close contact
- Avoid touching lesions or sharing personal items
- Wash hands and clean potentially contaminated objects and surfaces
- Ask a healthcare professional about vaccination under current local guidance
COMMON QUESTIONS
Mpox symptoms, transmission and next steps
Does mpox always cause fever before a rash?
No. A rash may appear first and there may be only a few lesions. Symptoms or photographs cannot establish the diagnosis. Contact a provider about a new rash, genital lesions or significant pain, and call ahead to reduce exposure to others.
Is mpox only sexually transmitted or limited to one identity?
No. Close contact with lesions, contaminated materials and other routes can transmit mpox in relevant circumstances. Anyone can acquire it. Condoms may not cover all affected skin, and identity is not a diagnosis.
Should I wait for a vaccine booking after exposure or a new rash?
Seek assessment promptly. Post-exposure vaccination and care for existing symptoms are different questions. Do not assume every clinic has vaccine or treatment. Avoid close contact, do not pick lesions, and seek urgent care for severe illness, severe pain or eye involvement.
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Editorial guidance reviewed 16 October 2026 against the sources below. Service availability must be confirmed with the provider.