Queensland has recorded eight locally acquired cases of Mpox this month in the state’s biggest cluster of the virus.
All cases of the disease, formerly known as monkeypox, are linked and contact tracing is underway to potentially locate more people with the infection.
Public health physician Olivia Williams said the current risk to public is low.
“It is not easily transmitted from person to person without prolonged close or intimate contact,” Dr Williams said.
She said no connection had been found to an Mpox outbreak in Victoria — where 16 confirmed cases have been reported since April 18, 13 of them locally acquired.
“We’re still investigating but there is no evidence of a link to Victoria at the moment,” Dr Williams said.
She said the virus was spread by close physical contact with an infected person, through both bodily secretions and skin-to-skin contact.
“There is some evidence that contaminated objects — particularly things like clothing, sheets, towels — that have been in contact with an infected person, particularly skin lesions or body secretions, can transmit the infection as well,” Dr Williams said.
Most Australian Mpox cases have been in men who have sex with men.
Free vaccines for high risk groups
Dr Williams — of Queensland Health’s communicable diseases branch — said high risk groups, including sex workers, were eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and general practitioners.
In addition to reducing the risk of infection and severe disease, she said vaccination also slashed the chances of the illness spreading.
Free vaccination may also be considered for laboratory scientists who analyse Mpox samples and healthcare workers exposed to the illness in patients.
Two vaccine shots are required for optimal effectiveness, 28 days apart.
“Queensland has good supply of Mpox vaccine,” Dr Williams said.
She said Mpox vaccine is also routinely offered to close contacts of newly-diagnosed cases.
What is Mpox?
Mpox was first reported in Australia in May 2022, with Queensland recording two cases in 2023 and six in 2022.
Dr Williams said Mpox infections were generally “fairly mild” and managed at home.
However, some people could become very ill and require admission to hospital.
“If you think you have Mpox, seek medical advice and get tested,” she said.
The state’s eight new cases have been recorded across five hospital and health services – Metro North, Metro South, West Moreton, Darling Downs, and Sunshine Coast.
The disease causes a distinctive rash and lesions that turn into pimples, blisters or sores, and may lead to ulcers and scabs. Lesions can vary in size and number.
Other symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, back pain, chills, rectal pain, and exhaustion.
Symptoms begin from five to 21 days after exposure to the virus.