According to the latest reports from Australian media, Western Australia recently reported two cases of locally confirmed mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) – the health department issued an alert on Wednesday, urging high-risk communities to remain highly vigilant for symptoms.
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The local cases (still under investigation) belong to the milder II branch of the Mpox virus, which is unrelated to the more severe Ib branch currently spreading in West and Central Africa.
Paul Armstrong, director of infectious disease control at the WA health department, emphasized that if high-risk individuals in the community suspect they might have the disease, they should seek testing immediately.
Armstrong noted, “In recent months, Mpox infections in Australia have been increasing, particularly among sexually active men who have sex with men and those engaging in high-risk activities such as casual sex and multiple partners.”
“If you have any symptoms of mpox, even mild ones, even if you have been vaccinated against mpox, you should contact your GP or sexual health service to make an appointment.” “Wear a mask, call ahead, and cover any rashes, lumps, or pimple-like sores.”
So far, Australia has reported 283 cases of mpox in 2024, with all but one case being male. The majority of cases occurred in Victoria, with 121 cases, followed by New South Wales with 118 cases. Queensland has 25 cases, the Australian Capital Territory has 12 cases, South Australia has 4 cases, Western Australia has 2 cases, and the Northern Territory has 1 case. Tasmania has no reported cases.
Mpox can spread between people through skin-to-skin contact (including sexual activity) and contact with contaminated items such as bedding and towels, and is rarely transmitted through inhaling droplets produced by coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms typically start 5 days to 3 weeks after exposure to the virus and may include rashes that resemble lumps, papules, or sores, which later develop into fluid-filled lesions, pustules, or ulcers. Some individuals may also experience fever, headache, muscle pain, back pain, or swollen lymph nodes.
Armstrong emphasized that individuals infected with the II branch of Mpox typically experience a milder illness that may last two to four weeks and can resolve without specific treatment. Only a small number of people will develop more severe illness.
He said, “Now that we are seeing local Mpox infection cases in Western Australia, it is really important to raise awareness of this virus and encourage at-risk individuals to get vaccinated.”
