Authorities urge people protect themselves from mpox immediately as cases surge
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As the world continues to navigate the challenges of emerging health threats, the latest concern for Australians, particularly in New South Wales (NSW), is the significant rise in cases of mpox.
NSW Health is sounding the alarm and urging those at risk to take immediate action by getting vaccinated.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has seen a surge in cases, with NSW Health reporting 433 notifications since 1 June.
This marks the largest outbreak in the state since the first case was confirmed in May 2022. 26 individuals have already been hospitalised.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has specifically called on men who have sex with men, sex workers, and their sexual partners to get vaccinated against this serious illness.
The government is offering two free doses of the mpox vaccine in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
'The rapidly rising numbers of mpox cases detected across the state are very concerning, with 26 people requiring hospitalisation due to the severity of their symptoms,' Dr Chant stated.
'The majority of hospitalisations have been among people who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of the vaccine. While cases of mpox are occurring in vaccinated people, the cases tend to be milder and for a shorter period.'
‘Anyone can get mpox, however the virus is mainly spread by close skin to skin contact and people who are at highest risk of mpox are men who have sex with men and sex workers, so we are urging them to complete their vaccinations as two doses can provide vital protection against severe illness caused by the virus.’
Of the cases recorded since June, 37 per cent were fully vaccinated, 14 per cent had received one dose, and 46 per cent were not vaccinated.
Michael Woodhouse, the CEO of NSW HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON, has echoed the call for those at higher risk to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations.
‘People in our communities are at higher risk of acquiring mpox particularly sexually active gay and bisexual men and their partners,’ Woodhouse said.
‘Our communities have a long history of doing what it takes to protect ourselves and our partners. Now is one of those times.’
‘Two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has only received one dose should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first,’ he added.
‘The mpox vaccine is free for communities at risk of acquiring mpox. You do not need a Medicare card to receive it.’
‘All vaccination appointments are private and confidential.’
Western Sydney Local Health District Sexual Health Specialist Dr Rohan Bopage has stressed the importance of being aware of the symptoms of mpox.
‘Mpox may also spread if you are sharing items, such as bedding, towels or clothes, with someone who has mpox, and it can spread to others until the lesions resolve,’ Dr Bopage said.
‘Getting diagnosed early helps interrupt the spread so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of mpox, which can include mild fever, headache, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers or rectal pain.’
'Many cases are mild, but people who have any symptoms of mpox, even if they have had the mpox vaccine and even if mild, should immediately contact their GP or sexual health service for an appointment,' he advised.
Early diagnosis is key to interrupting the spread of the virus.
Mpox can present as small pimple-like skin lesions, often in areas that are not easily visible such as the genitalia, anus, or buttocks.
It's crucial for individuals to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they suspect they may have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the mpox outbreak? What measures are you taking to stay safe? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
NSW Health is sounding the alarm and urging those at risk to take immediate action by getting vaccinated.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has seen a surge in cases, with NSW Health reporting 433 notifications since 1 June.
This marks the largest outbreak in the state since the first case was confirmed in May 2022. 26 individuals have already been hospitalised.
NSW Health urged people to be updated with their vaccinations to prevent contracting mpox. Credit: Shutterstock
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has specifically called on men who have sex with men, sex workers, and their sexual partners to get vaccinated against this serious illness.
The government is offering two free doses of the mpox vaccine in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
'The rapidly rising numbers of mpox cases detected across the state are very concerning, with 26 people requiring hospitalisation due to the severity of their symptoms,' Dr Chant stated.
'The majority of hospitalisations have been among people who are unvaccinated or have received only one dose of the vaccine. While cases of mpox are occurring in vaccinated people, the cases tend to be milder and for a shorter period.'
‘Anyone can get mpox, however the virus is mainly spread by close skin to skin contact and people who are at highest risk of mpox are men who have sex with men and sex workers, so we are urging them to complete their vaccinations as two doses can provide vital protection against severe illness caused by the virus.’
Of the cases recorded since June, 37 per cent were fully vaccinated, 14 per cent had received one dose, and 46 per cent were not vaccinated.
Michael Woodhouse, the CEO of NSW HIV and LGBTQ+ health organisation ACON, has echoed the call for those at higher risk to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations.
‘People in our communities are at higher risk of acquiring mpox particularly sexually active gay and bisexual men and their partners,’ Woodhouse said.
‘Our communities have a long history of doing what it takes to protect ourselves and our partners. Now is one of those times.’
‘Two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has only received one dose should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first,’ he added.
‘The mpox vaccine is free for communities at risk of acquiring mpox. You do not need a Medicare card to receive it.’
‘All vaccination appointments are private and confidential.’
Western Sydney Local Health District Sexual Health Specialist Dr Rohan Bopage has stressed the importance of being aware of the symptoms of mpox.
‘Mpox may also spread if you are sharing items, such as bedding, towels or clothes, with someone who has mpox, and it can spread to others until the lesions resolve,’ Dr Bopage said.
‘Getting diagnosed early helps interrupt the spread so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of mpox, which can include mild fever, headache, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers or rectal pain.’
'Many cases are mild, but people who have any symptoms of mpox, even if they have had the mpox vaccine and even if mild, should immediately contact their GP or sexual health service for an appointment,' he advised.
Early diagnosis is key to interrupting the spread of the virus.
Mpox can present as small pimple-like skin lesions, often in areas that are not easily visible such as the genitalia, anus, or buttocks.
It's crucial for individuals to be vigilant and seek medical advice if they suspect they may have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms.
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