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Department of Health and Wellness

Mpox: what you need to know

Mpox is a viral illness that can affect anyone. It spreads mainly through close physical contact with someone who has mpox, including skin-to-skin contact, kissing and sexual contact. It can also spread through contact with contaminated items such as bedding, clothing and towels. 

While anyone can get mpox, people who have new or multiple sexual partners may have a higher risk of exposure. Risk is linked to close physical contact, not to who you are.

Think you may qualify for an mpox vaccine?

Vaccination is available to eligible people following a risk assessment.

WhatsApp the Metro mpox vaccination line on +27 79 716 4001 to enquire, book a risk assessment and get advice. 

Know the symptoms
The most common symptom of mpox is a rash or skin lesions. There may be only a few lesions or many, and they can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, feet, mouth, genital area or around the anus.

Other symptoms can include:

  • fever;
  • headache;
  • muscle aches;
  • back pain;
  • swollen glands; and
  • tiredness or low energy.

Symptoms can develop after exposure to someone with mpox. MPOX infographics

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you develop a new or unexplained rash, sores or lesions, or other symptoms of mpox:

  • avoid sex and other close skin-to-skin contact;
  • avoid sharing bedding, towels, clothing and other personal items;
  • contact a healthcare provider for advice; and
  • tell your healthcare provider if you know or think you have been exposed to someone with mpox.

Early assessment can help you get the care you need and reduce the risk of passing mpox to others.

Reduce your risk
You can reduce your risk by knowing the signs of mpox and being aware of your own health and that of the people you are close to.

If you are sexually active, particularly with new or multiple partners:

  • check yourself regularly for an unexplained rash, sores or lesions;
  • talk openly with partners about symptoms;
  • consider swapping contact details with new partners so you can let each other know if symptoms develop;
  • if you or a partner develops symptoms, pause sex and other close skin-to-skin contact and seek healthcare advice; and
  • temporarily reducing the number of new or multiple sexual partners can reduce opportunities for transmission.

Condoms remain important for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and may reduce some exposure to mpox. However, they do not provide complete protection because mpox can spread through skin-to-skin contact involving areas not covered by a condom. MPOX infographics

Mpox vaccination
Vaccination forms part of the outbreak response and is available to people who meet the current eligibility criteria.

Because vaccine supply is limited, current Western Cape vaccination information identifies the following groups as eligible:

  • men who have sex with men;
  • transgender people;
  • contacts of people with mpox;
  • household members of a person with mpox;
  • healthcare workers and laboratory personnel at high risk of exposure; and
  • people living with HIV. MPox_A5 Flyer

A healthcare worker will assess your individual risk and exposure and advise whether vaccination is recommended for you.

How do I find out if I qualify?

WhatsApp +27 79 716 4001 to contact the Metro mpox vaccination line.

You can use the WhatsApp line to:

  • enquire about vaccination;
  • arrange a risk assessment;
  • get advice about your eligibility; and
  • find out where to receive your vaccination.

Where can I get vaccinated?
Vaccination is available by appointment to eligible people following a risk assessment.

Green Point Men’s Health Clinic
Cape Town
Vaccination by appointment. Meeting minutes of the Provinci…
WhatsApp: +27 79 716 4001

Travel Doctor Oranjezicht
Mediclinic Cape Town Emergency Centre
21 Hof Street
Oranjezicht
Cape Town, 8001

Telephone: 021 023 2182

Contact the vaccination service before visiting to arrange an appointment and confirm your eligibility.

If you have been exposed to mpox

If you know or think you have had close contact with someone who has mpox:

  • monitor yourself for symptoms;
  • avoid close physical contact if you develop symptoms;
  • contact a healthcare provider for advice; and
  • ask about vaccination if you think you may qualify.

Close contact can include skin-to-skin contact, kissing, sexual contact and contact with contaminated bedding, clothing or towels. Help stop the spread of mpox

Mpox and stigma

Mpox can affect anyone.

Having mpox does not say anything about a person’s identity, sexuality or behaviour. Stigma and discrimination can discourage people from seeking healthcare, sharing important information with close contacts or accessing vaccination.

People who have or may have mpox should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

Know the signs. Check yourself. Check in. Get checked.

More information and resources

For more detailed information about mpox, symptoms, testing, prevention and the outbreak response, visit:

Download more resources here: 

For vaccination enquiries and risk assessment:
WhatsApp +27 79 716 4001