Monkeypox
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Fact sheet - Health conditions directory
Monkeypox is a rare viral illness caused by the monkeypox
virus. The monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae
family, which also includes variola virus (the virus which causes smallpox).
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in rural rainforest villages
of Central and Western Africa however outbreaks and sporadic cases have
occurred elsewhere.
Monkeypox can affect people of all ages and is spread from person to person through close contact with skin lesions, body fluids, including respiratory droplets or direct contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding or clothes. Monkeypox usually presents as a mild illness associated with influenza like symptoms, such as fever, headache or myalgia and lymphadenopathy or swelling of the lymph nodes. Within one to three days after fever, a rash develops often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. There are no specific treatments for monkeypox infection. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within two-four weeks. Rarely severe cases can occur.
Doctors, hospitals and laboratories must notify any suspected cases to Public Health Units.
Enhanced surveillance for public health units
- Case report form - used by public health units to collect and manage more detailed information for enhanced case surveillance.
Public health management guidelines
Read Communicable Disease Network Australia Guidelines
Resources for health professionals
Australian Department of Health Monkeypox - information about MPX symptoms, treatment, prevention and vaccine guidance
