Queensland Health notified of 10 Mpox cases, contact tracing underway
Queensland Health has been notified of 10 locally acquired Mpox cases, which is the state's biggest cluster of the virus.
The Mpox cases, formerly known as monkeypox, are all linked and contact tracing is underway, health authorities confirmed.
The public's risk of catching Mpox is deemed as low.
READ MORE: Man with suspended licence appears in US court on webcam while driving
The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"The highest risk of transmission is associated with close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has Mpox," Queensland Health said in a statement.
"Mpox is a viral infection with typically mild symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue, followed by a skin rash or lesions.
"Most people recover from Mpox within a few weeks, although some people may develop more severe illness requiring hospitalisation."
READ MORE: Police confirm baby boy born after birth evidence found by Sydney river
In 2022, the World Health Organisation declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. AP
There is currently no evidence the cases are connected to the 16 confirmed cases in Victoria last month.
The disease was first reported in Australia in May 2022.
Anyone who has been in contact with someone with Mpox is urged to contact their local public health unit and monitor symptoms for 21 days.
"Government-funded Mpox vaccine is available to people at greater risk of Mpox infection through sexual health clinics and some GPs," Queensland Health said.
"Two doses of vaccine are needed for optimal protection and vaccination reduces the risk of infection and severe disease."
Queensland Mpox vaccine centres can be found here.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
