Queensland records first case of monkeypox, in Brisbane
Queensland has recorded its first confirmed case of monkeypox, in Brisbane, but health authorities say there's no reason for concern.
The viral illness is endemic to west and central Africa but has been spreading more widely through Europe, Australia and other parts of the world in recent months.
Its first appearance in Australia was in New South Wales and Victoria earlier this year.
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Monkeypox presents as a distinctive rash of red welts on the skin. Nine
The person who tested positive is now isolating at home in Brisbane and being monitored virtually by health professionals.
Contract traces are working to identify and contact close contacts, who will be offered a protective vaccine.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the risk of monkeypox to the general public was extremely low.
"There's no general risk to the public," he said.
"As a general principle, I think we are going to see monkeypox spreading.
"There will be more cases in the future but it's not something we should be losing sleep over."
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Health authorities say the virus has low transmissibility and is not of great concern to the public. Supplied
The viral disease appears as a distinctive rash on the skin, often accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes and chills, and is spread through close physical contact.
The illness, which typically lasts two to four weeks, will usually appear in the head and neck area, but can spread to eyes, hands and feet.
The condition is rare and has low transmissibility.
"You are not going to catch it in a crowd," infectious disease expert Professor Nigel McMillan said.
"Generally it's self-resolving. It is very rarely fatal.
"Vaccination is really only for those individuals who are infected and their close contacts and that's done through Queensland Health."
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