Health officials issue alert after monkeypox outbreak in this state
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In a recent development that has caught the attention of South Australians, health officials have issued a critical update regarding the emergence of three cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in the state.
This marks the first time the virus has been detected locally since 2022, raising public health and safety concerns.
The three individuals diagnosed with mpox include men in their 20s, 30s, and 50s.
Despite the understandable concern this news may bring, health authorities are reassuring the public that the risk of widespread transmission remains low.
Mpox typically requires prolonged, close, or intimate contact for transmission, which means casual contact is less likely to result in the spread of the virus.
In 2022, South Australia had no reported cases of mpox, and only two cases were recorded during the global outbreak.
However, the situation has evolved in 2024, with the country witnessing 67 cases, 45 of which were reported in Victoria.
The renaming of monkeypox to mpox was a step to address concerns about stigmatisation and racism associated with the original name.
Mpox is a viral infection characterised by a distinctive rash and symptoms such as fever, chills, exhaustion, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms can manifest up to 21 days after exposure, and the virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated items, or respiratory droplets.
An mpox vaccination is available and is being offered for free to eligible groups, including all sexually active gay, bisexual men, or men who have sex with men.
Dr Louise Flood, Deputy Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch, urged those who are eligible to take advantage of the vaccine to protect themselves and others.
‘The Risk to the public is low. Mpox is not easily transmitted from person to person without prolonged close or intimate contact,’ she said.
‘If you do think you have mpox, seek medical advice and get tested.’
Mpox is a zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
While it is typically associated with tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, there is currently no evidence of animal-to-human transmission in Australia.
The disease is mainly spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets.
During the 2022 outbreak, a significant number of cases affected men who were sexually active with other men.
While most cases of mpox are mild and can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like paracetamol and hydration, individuals who are immunocompromised may be at greater risk of serious complications.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the mpox outbreak? What measures are you taking to stay safe? Let us know in the comments below.
This marks the first time the virus has been detected locally since 2022, raising public health and safety concerns.
The three individuals diagnosed with mpox include men in their 20s, 30s, and 50s.
Despite the understandable concern this news may bring, health authorities are reassuring the public that the risk of widespread transmission remains low.
South Australia issued an alert after three cases of monkeypox were found in the area. Credit: Shutterstock
Mpox typically requires prolonged, close, or intimate contact for transmission, which means casual contact is less likely to result in the spread of the virus.
In 2022, South Australia had no reported cases of mpox, and only two cases were recorded during the global outbreak.
However, the situation has evolved in 2024, with the country witnessing 67 cases, 45 of which were reported in Victoria.
The renaming of monkeypox to mpox was a step to address concerns about stigmatisation and racism associated with the original name.
Mpox is a viral infection characterised by a distinctive rash and symptoms such as fever, chills, exhaustion, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms can manifest up to 21 days after exposure, and the virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated items, or respiratory droplets.
An mpox vaccination is available and is being offered for free to eligible groups, including all sexually active gay, bisexual men, or men who have sex with men.
Dr Louise Flood, Deputy Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch, urged those who are eligible to take advantage of the vaccine to protect themselves and others.
‘The Risk to the public is low. Mpox is not easily transmitted from person to person without prolonged close or intimate contact,’ she said.
‘If you do think you have mpox, seek medical advice and get tested.’
Mpox is a zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
While it is typically associated with tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, there is currently no evidence of animal-to-human transmission in Australia.
The disease is mainly spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, lesions, or respiratory droplets.
During the 2022 outbreak, a significant number of cases affected men who were sexually active with other men.
While most cases of mpox are mild and can be managed with over-the-counter treatments like paracetamol and hydration, individuals who are immunocompromised may be at greater risk of serious complications.
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