Monkey pox (also known as MPOX, MPX, or MPXV) is a viral infection that can affect anyone. It can make you feel sick and develop painful rashes, lesions or sores. Here’s your guide to monkeypox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, monkeypox rash, and monkeypox blisters.
Even with local transmissions of the virus in Australia, there are ways to stay safe. Find your guide to monkeypox transmission, vaccination and prevention at What is monkeypox and what does it mean for men in Australia?
Vaccination protects you and others from monkeypox. Find your nearest smallpox vaccination location with our interactive map.
Symptoms of monkeypox
Common signs of monkeypox may include:
- Rashes or lesions (bumps that turn into pimples, blisters or sores and may burst to form ulcers or scabs)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lumbago
- Muscle aches and joint pains
- Chills
Less common signs of monkeypox may include:
- Sore throat
- Rectal pain and bleeding (into the anus)
- Swollen penis
- Swollen tonsils
- Blisters or sores inside the mouth or tongue
Symptoms can range from mild to very unwell, with smallpox-like sores that cause pain that may require medical attention.
Not everyone who contracts monkeypox will develop all the symptoms or symptoms in the same order. Most people with monkeypox will develop a rash or lesions. Others may take them before they develop flu-like symptoms. Some people may not develop flu symptoms at all.
People living with HIV who are not receiving treatment may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms.
“Not everyone who contracts monkeypox will develop all the symptoms or symptoms in the same order.”
In the 2022 global outbreak, the typical symptoms of monkeypox differ from previous outbreaks. In the current outbreak, the monkeypox rash may start on the groin, genital area, or around the anus (anus). Sometimes the rash stays in the area where it starts without spreading further.
Evidence from the current global outbreak shows that some cases of monkeypox may be asymptomatic — meaning someone can have monkeypox without showing any symptoms.
What does the chicken pox rash look like?
From person to person, rashes, lesions or sores may look different. They may look like pimples or blisters. Rashes can be mistaken for symptoms of herpes or syphilis.
Lesions can vary in size and number from just one lesion to several hundred. Monkeypox lesions can look like blisters similar to chickenpox but larger.
Rashes, lesions, or sores may be in inconspicuous areas, including around the genitals, around or inside the anus (anus and anus areas), or in the mouth and throat. It can also be on the face, palms, soles, arms, chest, back and legs.
The rash may be extremely itchy or painful. It usually changes and goes through different stages. First, it can appear as flat lesions, which develop into raised and firm lesions, then fill with fluid before forming a scab, which later falls off. Lesions can cause scarring.
Is monkey pox fatal?
Deaths from monkeypox are rare, but have been reported during the current global outbreak in more than 20 countries, including the US, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Spain, Chile, India, Cuba and Belgium.
Until today, 146 deaths have appeared in countries that have not historically reported monkeypox. Some people who died had severely weakened immune systems and serious diseases other than monkey pox. There have been no deaths from monkeypox in Australia.
What is the incubation period for monkeypox?
The incubation period is the time it takes from acquiring a disease to the appearance of its symptoms.
“The incubation period for monkeypox is usually 7 to 14 days.”
The incubation period for monkeypox typically ranges from 7 to 14 days. In some cases, symptoms may appear in as little as 1 day. In other cases, it can take up to 21 days after exposure for symptoms to appear.
How do you know if you have monkey pox?
If you have a rash, lesions, or sores, health care providers can do tests to see if it might be caused by monkeypox or a different infection. You must have visible symptoms to have a swab test. There is no blood test for monkeypox.
If you develop symptoms, avoid contact with others and seek medical help immediately. Call your doctor or local sexual health provider by phone before the visit. Do not attend a health service without calling in advance.
Is there a cure for monkey pox and how long does it take to recover from monkey pox?
Monkey pox is contagious from the onset of symptoms until the lesions heal and the scabs fall off. Full recovery may take 2 to 4 weeks.
As a self-limiting disease, monkeypox usually does not need treatment. However, the lesions can be painful and require pain medication.
Treatments for monkeypox are available for people with severe symptoms or health complications, such as those with weakened immune systems. Talk to your doctor or sexual health service to discuss what’s best for you.
What can I do to avoid monkey pox?
A monkeypox vaccine is available. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others.
One dose of vaccine is good at protecting you from monkeypox. It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to provide good protection. Maximum protection is achieved approximately 2 weeks after your second dose. You must wait at least 28 days before receiving your second dose.
“A smallpox vaccine is available. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
For more information and to understand your eligibility, see Getting the monkeypox vaccine — what you need to know about the monkeypox vaccine. Find your nearest smallpox vaccination location with our interactive map.
Find out more ways you can reduce your risk of getting infected from sex or partying at events in What is monkey pox and what does it mean for men in Australia?
More information
Find information about monkeypox in your state or territory:
