Mpox cases higher than last year - doctors urged to be alert of symptoms

Doctors are being advised that atypical presentations have been observed in the current outbreak, which has seen 36 cases reported so far in WA - nine more than total cases in 2025.

The Department of Health said mpox may present with no or a mild prodrome, a rash with few lesions or a single lesion only on the genital or peri-anal region.

While some cases may also present with proctitis (painful inflammation of the rectum) in the absence of an externally visible rash or lesion(s). 

The department advises health providers to suspect and test for mpox in any patient who presents with clinical and epidemiological evidence.

The majority of mpox cases in WA this year have been in gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM), however several infections have also been identified in heterosexual men and women.

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close physical contact with an infected person, including skin-to-skin contact, intimate or sexual contact, contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or towels, and prolonged face-to-face contact.

Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness and a rash or skin lesions, which may be painful.

Doctors should consider discussing suspected cases with an infectious diseases physician or a clinical microbiologist to ensure appropriate testing and infection control measures. They should also notify suspected cases to the Public Health Units or the on-call public health physician after hours on 1800 434 122.

Clinicians are reminded to use appropriate PPE for the assessment and management of patients with suspected mpox and advise the patient to stay at home while awaiting results after being tested.

Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate Dr Paul Armstrong said awareness, using condoms, early testing and vaccination remained the best ways to limit the spread of mpox.

“While most infections continue to occur in specific higher-risk groups, mpox can affect anyone who has close physical contact with an infected person,” Dr Armstrong said.

“We are encouraging people who are eligible for vaccination to ensure they are fully protected by receiving both doses of the vaccine," he said.

Mpox vaccination is available free of charge to eligible people.

Vaccination is recommended for people at higher risk of exposure, including eligible gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, sex workers and other people whose sexual practices place them at increased risk of the infection.

A state-wide public awareness campaign is underway across social media, regional radio and Perth Airport to encourage people at risk to get vaccinated and seek testing if they develop symptoms.