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For patients and the general public:
Patients with any concerns should contact Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
Do not attend a health service in the first instance – be sure to call first.

ASHM Clinical Alert - Monkeypox virus (MPXV)

UPDATED ON: 2 August 2022 

Latest updates:

Clinicians should contact their local public health unit or on-call infectious disease team in the first instance.

Since May 2022, there has been an increased number of cases mainly overseas (including Europe and the USA) and potentially increasing numbers of cases in Australia of MPXV, a rare zoonotic viral infection.  

MPXV has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance by the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer on 28 July 2022, following the WHO declaring the global situation regarding MPXV to be a public health emergency of international concern.

From some early reports, recent cases have been detected in gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, anecdotally some presenting through sexual health services. It is not considered to be an STI, however differential diagnosis is important. General populations should be also considered at risk and per WHO guidance for testing, infection control and treatment. 

Further information on MPXV can be found below: 

  • WHO updated page here 
  • Australian Government update here 

UNAIDS has issued a statement warning that language and misinformation in relation to MPXV can lead to homophobia, exacerbate stigma and undermine the public health response.  

  • UNAIDS statement can be found here 

Health alerts and factsheets: 

For information on actions health providers should take if patients present with possible MPX, please refer to the Skin Rash and Lesions page of the Australian STI Management Guidelines.

Is Australia ready for monkeypox? An article about how the Australian health system can respond effectively, by Professor Raina MacIntyre and Professor Andrew Grulich

 National Guidance 

Please find below the Australian Government guidance for the treatment of MPX, in particular noting the updated recommendations for ACAM2000™ and JYNNEOS® (MVA-BN: modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine-Bavarian Nordic), live-attenuated smallpox vaccines, for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).  

These guidelines are updated as the situation evolves and as therapeutic options change and include notes for guidance for clinicians at possible risk of MPXV exposure regarding PPE and vaccination. 

Also refer to: 

Suggested medical images of MPXV – These medical images are for clinical and public health usage and are externally sourced – please be aware of copyright and ensure appropriate and respectful usage:

Lived experience 

Community information and resources: 

  • Please refer to the AFAO website for national and state and territory-based members providing further information on MPXV to their communities. 

ASHM media release: