Over 300 Cases of Mpox Reported in Australia in 2024

August 25, 2024 TruthUSA

Among the cases, only one is a woman, while the rest are men.

Health departments across Australia have issued warnings about the increasing number of monkey pox (mpox) cases, with over 300 cases detected in Australia so far this year.

New South Wales (NSW) has reported the highest number of cases at 144, followed by 127 in Victoria, and 27 in Queensland as of Aug. 25.

Victoria has identified all 127 cases since April.

Additionally, there are 13 cases in the Australian Capital Territory, four in South Australia, two in Western Australia (WA), and one in the Northern Territory.

Among the cases, the vast majority are men, with 317 cases compared to only one woman with the disease, according to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance data.

Mpox is a viral infection that can be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact or contaminated items and surfaces, as well as respiratory droplets, as stated by the Victorian Department of Health.

The current outbreak in Australia is caused by Clade IIb of the mpox virus, which is different from Clade Ib found in Central and Eastern Africa.

Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker recently cautioned about the rising cases of mpox affecting mostly men.

“There is an ongoing outbreak of mpox in Victoria and other Australian jurisdictions, mostly affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men,” she stated.

The World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International concern on Aug. 14 in response to the Clade Ib strain of the virus, causing a more severe form of the disease.

“Clade one (I) is endemic in Central Africa and typically causes more severe disease than clade two (II), which is endemic to West Africa.”

Looker also recommended vaccination, widely available through sexual health clinics, hospitals, doctors, councils, and pharmacies.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of mpox appear between five days and three weeks after exposure to the virus and may include a rash resembling bumps, pimples, and sores.

This rash may progress to fluid-filled lesions, pustules, or ulcers. Other possible symptoms of mpox are fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph glands.

Meanwhile, NSW Health is urging the community to be vigilant of symptoms in response to the increasing cases. Only one case was reported in the state before June 1.

NSW Health advised individuals at risk of mpox to remain alert for symptoms.

In addressing the rising cases, NSW Health referred The Epoch Times to the latest advice from Executive Director of Health Protection Dr. Jeremy McAnulty.

“Mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact, often beginning with small pimple-like skin lesions, particularly in hard-to-see areas like the genitals, anus, or buttocks,” McAnulty explained.

McAnulty mentioned that some individuals may experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers, or rectal pain.

“If you have any symptoms of mpox, even if you’ve been vaccinated and they’re mild, contact your GP or sexual health service immediately for an appointment,” he said.

“The mpox vaccine is free for those at higher risk of developing mpox, and you don’t need a Medicare card to receive it,” NSW Health stated.

Health Authorities Recommend Vaccine

WA Health Communicable Disease Control Director Dr. Paul Armstrong advised individuals with mpox symptoms to wear a mask and get vaccinated.

The WA Department of Health issued a health alert after detecting two locally acquired cases during the week.

“If you have symptoms suggestive of mpox, even if they’re mild and even if you’ve had the vaccine, contact your GP or sexual health service for an appointment. Wear a mask, call ahead, and cover any rashes, bumps, or pimple-like sores,” Armstrong advised.

Dr. Armstrong emphasized that high-risk groups in the community should be vigilant for symptoms and seek testing promptly.

“Mpox infections have been increasing in Australia in recent months, particularly among sexually active men who have sex with men and through higher-risk activities like casual sex and multiple partners,” he stated on Aug. 21.

The health department confirmed that the cases were caused by the milder clade II strain of mpox. However, Armstrong warned that a few people may develop a more severe form of the illness.

“Now that we’re seeing locally acquired cases of mpox in WA, it’s important to raise awareness of this virus and encourage at-risk individuals to get vaccinated,” he said.

Monash University Associate Professor and molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam emphasized the need for vigilance in monitoring the spread of mpox in Australia, especially from international travel.

“Enhanced surveillance, public health education, and vaccination are crucial in controlling the spread of mpox, particularly in non-endemic regions like Australia, where monitoring for potential cases is essential to prevent outbreaks,” he suggested.

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