Health alert: Mpox outbreak hits another state—are you at risk?
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As we navigate the public health landscape, New South Wales residents face a new alert: the emergence of monkeypox or mpox cases within the state.
This development underscores the importance of awareness and vaccination against this infectious disease.
NSW Health has confirmed three cases this week connected to the outbreaks in South Australia and Victoria, bringing the total number of identified cases in NSW to 72 for 2022.
The outbreak in South Australia was detected last week in three individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 50s, whereas Victoria reported a cluster of 10 linked cases, making it the largest cluster recorded in the state.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread through contact with contaminated items or surfaces or through prolonged or intimate skin-to-skin contact.
The disease presents with a rash that may appear as vesicles, pustules, or ulcers, often starting around the genitals, anus, or buttocks.
While mpox is endemic to certain African countries, the world saw a significant outbreak beginning in May 2022, with over 97,000 cases reported globally.
This outbreak has predominantly affected gay or bisexual men, but it's important to remember that the virus can infect anyone.
Given the recent cases and the potential for further spread, NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, has issued a call to action.
'Mpox vaccine is recommended for all sexually active men who have sex with men, so get a vaccine if you haven't already been vaccinated,' Dr McAnulty stated.
‘It is important to note 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.’
Patients with mpox are considered contagious until all rash lesions have crusted, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
You can check the list of NSW mpox vaccine centres here.
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.
This development underscores the importance of awareness and vaccination against this infectious disease.
NSW Health has confirmed three cases this week connected to the outbreaks in South Australia and Victoria, bringing the total number of identified cases in NSW to 72 for 2022.
The outbreak in South Australia was detected last week in three individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 50s, whereas Victoria reported a cluster of 10 linked cases, making it the largest cluster recorded in the state.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can spread through contact with contaminated items or surfaces or through prolonged or intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Another mpox outbreak hits NSW with three cases confirmed. Credit: Shutterstock
The disease presents with a rash that may appear as vesicles, pustules, or ulcers, often starting around the genitals, anus, or buttocks.
While mpox is endemic to certain African countries, the world saw a significant outbreak beginning in May 2022, with over 97,000 cases reported globally.
This outbreak has predominantly affected gay or bisexual men, but it's important to remember that the virus can infect anyone.
Given the recent cases and the potential for further spread, NSW Health's Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, has issued a call to action.
'Mpox vaccine is recommended for all sexually active men who have sex with men, so get a vaccine if you haven't already been vaccinated,' Dr McAnulty stated.
‘It is important to note 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.’
Patients with mpox are considered contagious until all rash lesions have crusted, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of skin has formed.
You can check the list of NSW mpox vaccine centres here.
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