• The virus is most often spread through skin-to-skin contact and contact with sores or blisters. While less common, it can also be passed on via things that have touched the skin or blisters of someone with mpox, such as bedding and towels.
• Mpox normally starts with a rash or skin blisters. Other symptoms can include headaches, swollen glands and muscle aches (see the symptoms section for more information).
• If you get symptoms that could be mpox stay home and seek medical advice (especially if you have travelled or been in contact with anyone who has travelled). You can contact Auckland Sexual Health on 0800 739 432 Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, speak to your GP or call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116 for advice. 
• You should seek advice if you think you’ve had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has (or may have) the virus, as you could be at risk of developing it too.

Most people with mpox develop a rash or other skin changes on the infection site such as lesions, which are lumps and bumps that can turn into pimples, blisters or sores. These may spread to other parts of the body such as the plams of the hand, soles of the feet, inside the mouth, or on the genitals.  

Other symptoms may include:

• Cold or flu like symptoms such as chills or swollen glands.
• Headaches
• Muscle and body aches
• Backache
• Tiredness

For more information about symptoms visit the Ministry of Health website:

People at greater risk of mpox (Monkeypox) can book a consultation with a health professional to discuss mpox prevention options. At the consultation a health professional will discuss your risk of exposure to mpox, and options, benefits and risks of vaccination. Following the consultation the vaccination may be prescribed. 

To check your eligibility and book an appointment call Auckland Sexual Health Service on 0800 739432.

The consultation service and vaccination are all free.

About mpox consultation clinics

Vaccination for mpox should only take place after a person and their healthcare professional have assessed the possible risks and benefits of receiving the vaccine, and the person has provided informed consent to have the vaccine, and that information about the prescribing will be supplied to the Ministry of Health.

• If you develop mpox you’ll need to stay home and self-isolate. This will prevent you from passing on the virus to others.
• It’s important you stay away from work and other places while you’re isolating. You also shouldn’t see other people and will need to avoid close contact, including sexual contact, with people you live with or others. If possible, stay in a separate room, cover any rashes with clothing, and wear a mask if you need to leave your room. Make sure you and others regularly wash your hands with soap. You should personally clean any surfaces you touch or items you use, especially your own bedding and towels.
• You are no longer at risk of passing on the virus once your skin lesions have crusted over, the scabs have fallen off and you have developed a layer of fresh skin underneath. This normally takes around 2 – 4 weeks. You can finish isolating after this following a final check-up by a health professional. 
• While you’re at home you’ll receive regular calls from public health and also be provided with a care package, including hygiene and cleaning supplies. Public health will also provide advice on what to do and what to expect with your symptoms. 
• If you need to go to a medical centre or hospital always call first and tell them you have mpox. 
• You will not be required to tell anyone that you have mpox, besides a health professional, and we will never publish your name or any of your personal information. We may reach out to other people you’ve had close or sexual contact with, as they could be at risk, but we will not share your name. If we cannot directly reach people you’ve had close or sexual contact with we may need to publicise some information about at risk locations, but we will not share any identifiable information about you as part of this. 
• If you cannot safely isolate at home then let public health staff know when they call.