Health authorities record 10 Monkeypox cases as largest recorded cluster to date
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As the world grapples with various health challenges, a new concern has emerged for Queensland residents.
A cluster of ten linked monkeypox cases has been identified, marking the largest recorded cluster in the state to date.
This development has prompted swift action from health authorities, with contact tracing efforts in full swing to prevent further spread.
The cluster, separate from an earlier outbreak in Victoria, has raised questions and concerns among the community.
Queensland Health has been actively notifying the public of the locally acquired cases of monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, as of 30 May.
Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person's skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.
While it can present as a mild illness with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes, it's the distinctive rash that often raises alarm.
This rash typically appears on the face one to three days after the onset of fever and can spread to other parts of the body.
The first case of mpox was reported in Australia in May 2022, and since then, the World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
On 28 July 2022, Australia's Chief Medical Officer followed suit, declaring monkeypox a communicable disease incident of national significance.
Victoria had confirmed 16 cases of mpox since 18 April, 13 of which were locally acquired.
‘All cases are currently linked, and contact tracing is underway by public health units,’ a spokesperson for Queensland Health said.
‘Anyone who has been in contact with someone with mpox should contact their local public health unit and monitor for symptoms for 21 days.’
Queensland Health added that high-risk groups such as sex workers are eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and GPs.
‘Government-funded Mpox vaccine is available to people at greater risk of Mpox infection through sexual health clinics and some GPs,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Two doses of vaccine are needed for optimal protection, and vaccination reduces the risk of infection and severe disease.’
You can check the list of Queensland Mpox vaccine centres here.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the mpox outbreak? Share your experiences and tips for staying healthy in the comments below.
A cluster of ten linked monkeypox cases has been identified, marking the largest recorded cluster in the state to date.
This development has prompted swift action from health authorities, with contact tracing efforts in full swing to prevent further spread.
The cluster, separate from an earlier outbreak in Victoria, has raised questions and concerns among the community.
Queensland Health has been actively notifying the public of the locally acquired cases of monkeypox, now referred to as mpox, as of 30 May.
Queensland Health has detected 10 cases of Monkeypox in Victoria. Credit: Shutterstock
Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person's skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.
While it can present as a mild illness with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes, it's the distinctive rash that often raises alarm.
This rash typically appears on the face one to three days after the onset of fever and can spread to other parts of the body.
The first case of mpox was reported in Australia in May 2022, and since then, the World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
On 28 July 2022, Australia's Chief Medical Officer followed suit, declaring monkeypox a communicable disease incident of national significance.
Victoria had confirmed 16 cases of mpox since 18 April, 13 of which were locally acquired.
‘All cases are currently linked, and contact tracing is underway by public health units,’ a spokesperson for Queensland Health said.
‘Anyone who has been in contact with someone with mpox should contact their local public health unit and monitor for symptoms for 21 days.’
Queensland Health added that high-risk groups such as sex workers are eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and GPs.
‘Government-funded Mpox vaccine is available to people at greater risk of Mpox infection through sexual health clinics and some GPs,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Two doses of vaccine are needed for optimal protection, and vaccination reduces the risk of infection and severe disease.’
You can check the list of Queensland Mpox vaccine centres here.
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