Second monkeypox case recorded in Western Australia

Health authorities in Western Australia have today confirmed a second case of monkeypox virus in a returned overseas traveller.

The case is in isolation and remains well, with doctors closely monitoring their condition, WA Health said.

Authorities have carried out contact tracing and the risk to the public is considered to be very low.

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This case is not linked to the previous case announced last week.

Returned travellers are being urged to monitor for symptoms of the monkeypox virus.

As of August 9, there were 66 cases of monkeypox in Australia, meaning this could be the 67th.

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This includes 33 in New South Wales, 27 in Victoria, two each in WA, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory, and one in South Australia.

Last month, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly declared the monkeypox outbreak "nationally significant".

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