Mpox (monkeypox): Need-to-knows if you’re working with young people

Did you know there have been five new cases of mpox in NSW in August 2023? With just a handful of cases in such a short time, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest information so you can chat with any young person who may have questions, or might be curious. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is mpox?

Mpox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Usually transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, mpox virus symptoms include a painful rash or skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, muscle aches and severe fatigue.

These symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure but can take a few weeks to show. Most people with mpox only experience mild symptoms, but severe disease, especially in people who are immunocompromised, is possible.

Who is at risk of mpox?

Most young people in Australia are not at risk of mpox, but they could still have questions. Those who are most at risk of contracting the mpox virus are sexually active men who have sex with men and sex workers. It’s important to know that anyone in close contact with someone infected with mpox can contract it. 

How is mpox transmitted?

One of the most common questions you might get asked by a young person is ‘how do you get mpox?’. Mpox primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact but also via respiratory droplets, bodily fluids like semen and contaminated bedding.

Testing and treatment of mpox

Mpox is diagnosed through lesion swabbing at sexual health clinics or by a doctor. As most confirmed cases are mild, treatment focuses on symptom management. 

If a young person you’re talking to is concerned they have been exposed to mpox, chat with the NSW Sexual Health Infolink for information and support. 

When it comes to mpox, it’s really all about prevention. Vaccination is recommended for people at risk. You can find out who is eligible for vaccination here. 

Effective communication with young people

There can be a lot of fearmongering and stigma around mpox and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). As someone working with young people, you can play an important role in providing accurate information, alleviating fears and talking about sex and sexual health in an open and positive way. Always:

1. Use age-appropriate and sex-positive language: Tailor your language and explanations to the age and comprehension level of the young person you’re speaking to. Keep it sex-positive, avoid any words that can trigger fear or shame, and trade the medical jargon for simple, clear terms.
2. Actively listen: Create a safe and non-judgemental space where the young people you work with feel comfortable expressing their concerns. Listen actively to their questions and anxieties, validate their feelings, and alleviate fears through giving them accurate information. You can also support them to chat to a doctor, or to a nurse at the NSW Sexual Health Infolink.
3. Address concerns honestly: Be upfront about mpox risks and prevention. Emphasise that the risk is low for anyone who does not fall into the at-risk categories, that most cases are mild, and stress the importance of knowledge and precautions about safe sex (especially safe sex practices, like condom use).

How to stop the spread of STIs

If you’re working with young people who are at-risk or worried about mpox or any other STIs, advise the following:

1. Regular STI testing: Let young people know the importance of regular STI testing, especially if they are sexually active or considering becoming sexually active. Mention that testing can detect infections that may not display symptoms. Explain the testing process, including where and how to access STI testing services, and reassure them that it’s a confidential and straightforward procedure.
2. Hygiene matters: Stress the importance of good hygiene, including hand washing, cleaning sex toys, or ideally avoiding sharing sex toys altogether.
3. Contact tracing: Encourage sharing contact information with new sexual partners to make contact tracing easier.
4. Condom use: Explain the correct and consistent use of condoms to prevent STIs. Emphasise that condoms are readily available and affordable, making them an essential tool for protection. Address any misconceptions or concerns they may have about condom use.
5. Informed choices: Encourage young people to seek accurate information about sexual health from reliable sources. Discuss the importance of consent, communication, and mutual respect in sexual relationships. Help them understand that they have the right to make informed choices about their bodies and their sexual activities.
6. Responsible communication: Highlight the importance of open and honest communication with sexual partners. Encourage them to discuss their sexual health with their partners, and teach them how to ask about their partner’s STI status and whether they have been tested recently.

More about mpox

If you want to know more about mpox, the resources below can help:

• NSW Sexual Health Infolink resource
• NSW Health mpox website
• ACON – mpox prevention factsheet
• Healthdirect – mpox resource
• World Health Organization (WHO) mpox factsheet

Frequently asked questions about mpox

Can you get mpox in Australia?

Yes, you can get mpox in Australia but the risk is very low. Since May 2022, at least 58 cases have been identified in NSW. Most cases are mild. Most cases in Australia have been acquired overseas, but a small number of people have caught it locally.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

Mpox symptoms include a skin rash or skin lesions. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, muscle aches and fatigue. Avoid physical contact with anyone who has symptoms.

What does mpox look like?

The most visible mpox symptoms are the skin lesions or sores. These bumps can be pus-filled, open, or maybe look like a blister. Some people with mpox might have just a few sores; others may have a painful rash.

Is mpox painful?

Mpox sores and rashes can be very uncomfortable and itchy. For people who do develop symptoms like this, it may last 2−4 weeks. A doctor usually advises over-the-counter pain medication and hydration.