No sign of monkeypox yet in NZ

WELLINGTON: The Ministry of Health has confirmed that as of Saturday, no cases of monkeypox have arrived in the country, after two cases were recorded in Australia.

The ministry said the risk of importation of monkeypox to New Zealand was deemed to be low.

But if the virus crossed the border, contact and source tracing would be undertaken.

Doctors have been asked to look out for signs and symptoms, specifically in returned travellers.

Cases of monkeypox are growing in the West in people who have not travelled to Africa — a phenomena not seen before.

Early hypotheses suggest the virus may be transmitted sexually. Other theories question whether there is a new vulnerability as communities no longer immunise against smallpox.

Australian health authorities have detected two cases of the rare monkeypox virus, in New South Wales and Victoria.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said people should remain vigilant for symptoms of the virus.

‘‘It starts off with fever, muscle aches and pains . . . enlarged lymph nodes, headaches, feeling tired and lethargic and then it can be followed by a rash one to three days later.’’

The United Kingdom has 20 confirmed cases, while Portugal has 23.

France, Germany, Canada and Belgium have all confirmed their first cases of monkeypox. — RNZ