Officials on monkeypox watch
Geelong health officials monitoring infection
THE local public health unit is monitoring the monkeypox situation, following cases recently emerging in countries around the world.
Health authorities last week confirmed a monkeypox case had been identified in Victoria.
The man had arrived in Melbourne from the UK on May 16.
“Our team at the Barwon South West public health unit are monitoring the situation, however, we expect to see minimal transmission as the virus isn’t easily spread between people,” public health unit deputy director Daniel O’Brien said.
Another case was confirmed in NSW in a man who returned from Europe.
THE local public health unit is monitoring the monkeypox situation, following cases recently emerging in countries around the world.
Health authorities last week confirmed a monkeypox case had been identified in Victoria.
The man had arrived in Melbourne from the UK on May 16.
Barwon South West public health unit deputy director Daniel O’Brien, confirmed there were no known cases of monkeypox in the unit’s region.
“Our team at the Barwon South West public health unit are monitoring the situation, however, we expect to see minimal transmission as the virus isn’t easily spread between people,” Associate Professor O’Brien said.
The rare zoonotic disease occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Africa and is occasionally exported.
Another case was confirmed in NSW in a man who returned from Europe.
Professor O’Brien said monkeypox was a rare but potentially serious viral illness caused by monkeypox virus.
“It typically begins with influenza-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes, then progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body,” he said.
“Human-to-human transmission of monkeypox can occur through close contact with lesions on the skin, body fluids (including respiratory droplets), or contaminated materials such as bedding.
“At this stage it has only been found in Australia people who have recently returned from overseas travel.
“Unlike Covid-19, transmission of monkeypox via respiratory droplets is less common and usually requires prolonged face-toface contact.”
Professor O’Brien said monkeypox was confirmed through a combination of laboratory testing and clinical assessment.
“If you think you may be infected with monkeypox, seek medical assistance, wear a mask and remain isolated until you have your diagnosis confirmed,” he said.