Mpox Cases Rising In Australia! What You Need to Know And Who Should Get Vaccinated
Australia is seeing a rise in mpox cases, the virus formerly known as monkeypox. According to UNSW Sydney, there have been 40 cases recorded in 2024, surpassing the 26 cases reported in 2023. Victoria has reported 24 cases this year, while Queensland saw 10 cases in May. The last significant outbreak was in 2022, with 144 cases across the country.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is part of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes smallpox. Symptoms include fever and a rash that usually starts on the hands, feet, and face, and can also affect the genitals. The rash is contagious until the lesions scab over. There are two types of mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade I can be more severe, with a higher fatality rate compared to clade II.
How Does Mpox Spread?
Mpox spreads through close contact with infected lesions or bodily fluids. Sexual transmission is a significant mode of spread, especially among high-risk groups. The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets. Recent research shows that both clades of mpox are mutating, which may increase their ability to spread among humans.
Vaccination: Your Best Defense
The primary way to prevent mpox is through vaccination. The JYNNEOS vaccine, originally developed for smallpox, is recommended. It is safer for people with weakened immune systems because it uses a modified virus that doesn’t replicate in the body. Two doses are required, given 28 days apart, and are 84% effective in preventing mpox.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Vaccination is recommended for:
- Men who have sex with men
- Sex workers
- People with HIV
- Health-care workers who may treat mpox patients
- Those who have had high-risk contact with an infected person in the past 14 days
Australia’s approach to the 2022 outbreak involved early access to vaccination and collaboration with community and health organisations. These efforts helped raise awareness and contributed to low rates of mpox. In 2023, 48% of men in Sydney and Melbourne reported receiving at least one dose of the vaccine.
Mpox is on the rise, but vaccination and awareness can help control its spread. Stay informed, get vaccinated if you’re in a high-risk group, and follow public health guidelines to protect yourself and others.
