Victoria has recorded its first locally acquired case of monkeypox, now called mpox by authorities, in almost six months.
Authorities said it was important homosexual men and prostitutes check for symptoms of the disease and get vaccinated due to the number of “pride events” on in the state, including Melbourne’s Midsumma festival which started on January 21 and runs until February 11.
“If you develop symptoms, our advice is to stay home, restrict your contact with others and book in an appointment with your GP or nearest sexual health service,” Acting Chief Health Officer Christian McGrath said on Wednesday.
The Department of Health warned there has been a large international outbreak of monkeypox that mainly affected homosexual men.
Victoria recorded 70 cases in 2022, and eight in 2023.
The latest case has not been linked to international travel, suggesting local transmission may be occurring.
Monkeypox is caused by infection with the mpox virus. Common symptoms include a rash, lesions or sores, fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.
The disease is mostly spread from person-to-person through prolonged physical or intimate contact.
The vaccine is available free-of-charge in Victoria to homosexuals and prostitutes.
The term “mpox” was introduced by the World Health Organisation in November 2022 to be used simultaneously with “monkeypox” for one year while the original name for the disease, in use since the 1970s, was phased out.
The WHO cited “racist and stigmatising language” for the move.
