Mpox campaign
This campaign provides clear, accessible information about mpox transmission, prevention, testing and vaccination across Western Australia.
The focus is on raising awareness of mpox risk, which has evolved in 2026, with cases now seen beyond men who have sex with men (MSM). By providing timely and targeted information, the campaign supports Western Australians in understanding their risk and take action to protect themselves and others.
Objectives
Increase awareness of mpox risk and transmission
The campaign helps Western Australians understand how mpox spreads, including through intimate and sexual contact, and that risk affects anyone sexually active.
Encourage vaccination uptake
The campaign promotes vaccination as an effective way to reduce the risk of mpox, particularly for those at higher risk.
Promote testing and early action
Clear messaging supports early testing and health-seeking behaviour to reduce transmission and support timely diagnosis.
Reinforce safer sex practices
The campaign highlights condom use and other protective behaviours as key actions to reduce risk.
Key messages
- Mpox is a communicable disease that spreads through close intimate contact, including sex.
- Anyone who is sexually active could be at risk of getting mpox.
- Vaccination and condom use can reduce transmission risk.
- Testing for mpox helps protect individuals and the wider community.
Target audience
- WA population aged 25 to 44 years
Stakeholder material
You can view and download the campaign materials below.
General awareness and education
What is mpox?
Mpox is an infection and is often spread through close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox, including during intimate or sexual contact.
Most people recover within 2 to 4 weeks, but some people can become very unwell.
Vaccination is available for eligible people and can help protect against severe illness from mpox.
Signs of mpox
Symptoms usually start 3 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
Symptoms can include a rash, pimple-like lesions or sores. These may appear anywhere on the body, including areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus, buttocks, mouth or throat.
Some people also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, tiredness, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.
If you have symptoms, call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.
Returning from travel or work?
Some areas have higher rates of mpox. If you have recently travelled for work or leisure or had new or multiple sexual partners, monitor for symptoms and seek advice early.
Symptoms include sores, a rash, bumps or pimples on any part of the body.
Some people also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, tiredness, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.
If you have symptoms, call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.
Travel for work or leisure?
Some areas have higher rates of mpox.
Consider getting vaccinated for mpox and taking condoms with you. This will help protect you while you are away from home.
If you have symptoms don’t have sex and call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.
Who does mpox affect?
Mpox is most often spread through close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox, including during intimate or sexual contact.
While currently most of the cases are in men who have sex with men, mpox can affect anyone, including women.
Risk may be higher if for people who:
- have been sexual contact during travel,
- have a new sexual partner,
- more than one sexual partner
- have engaged in group sex.
- have had sex with a man who has sex with men.
Are you at risk of mpox?
Anyone can get mpox through close skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the virus, including sexual contact.
Risk may be higher if for people who:
- have been sexual contact during travel,
- have a new sexual partner,
- more than one sexual partner
- have engaged in group sex.
- have had sex with a man who has sex with men.
Cases in Australia
Have mpox symptoms? Get tested.
Symptoms can include a rash, pimple-like lesions or sores. These may appear anywhere on the body, including areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus, buttocks, mouth or throat.
Some people also have a fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, tiredness, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.
If you have symptoms, you will need to get tested.
Call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.
How is mpox spread?
Mpox is most often spread through:
skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox (including during intimate contact or sex).
It is much less commonly spread by:
prolonged face-to-face contact via respiratory droplets (such as coughs and sneezes)
contact with clothing or linens (such as bedding and towels) used by someone with mpox.
Treatment of mpox
Most people with mpox will recover without any specific treatments.
In some people the sores can be very painful.
Over-the-counter pain medications and keeping up oral fluids help to manage symptoms.
Antiviral medications may be considered for people with severe symptoms.
Vaccination before exposure is the best way for eligible people to reduce the risk of severe illness.
For advice about mpox testing and treatment call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.
Prevention of mpox
To prevent getting mpox:
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talk to your GP about mpox vaccination
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use condoms
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avoid skin-to-skin contact with people with suspected or confirmed mpox
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do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with mpox
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If you are attending events where close physical or sexual contact may occur, know the symptoms, use condoms, avoid physical contactwith people with open wounds or ulcers.
Mpox vaccination
Mpox vaccination is free for eligible people in WA. Two doses provide the best protection, and you do not need a Medicare card.
Vaccination before exposure is the best way for people to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Mpox in WA
Mpox cases have been notified in WA
Protect yourself by using condoms and getting vaccinated
Symptoms of mpox include sores, a rash, bumps or pimples on any part of the body, fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, tiredness, headaches, and/or swollen lymph glands.
See a doctor and get tested if you have symptoms.
Call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205.
Need help with mpox?
Have questions about mpox?
Call your GP or the sexual health helpline: Metro 9227 6178 or Country 1800 198 205, or visit Mpox translations
Translated mpox resources
If someone you know has an mpox question and needs an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 to request an interpreter in your preferred language.
Contact us
The campaign is coordinated by the Communicable Disease Control Directorate in conjunction with the Communications Directorate.
Please contact us if you need further information or materials in alternative formats.
Email: communications@health.wa.gov.au