Mpox virus spreads as three new local cases detected

Three new locally-acquired mpox infections have been confirmed in Victoria between May 21 and 28, prompting the Chief Health Officer (CHO) Dr Clare Looker to release a public warning.

The viral infection usually results in a mild illness, most people recover within weeks, but some cases cause severe illness and require hospitalisation, Dr Looker said.

The outbreak has predominantly affected men who have sex with men and those who have prolonged intimate contact with someone infected with mpox, the CHO said.

The current outbreak, emerging in May 2022, has predominantly impacted men who have sex with men but anyone who has been in close and prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk.

The World Health Organisation suggested the change from monkeypox to mpox in November 2022.

"When the outbreak of monkeypox expanded earlier this year, racist and stigmatizing language online, in other settings and in some communities was observed and reported to WHO," the international public health agency said on November 28, 2022.

"In several meetings, public and private, a number of individuals and countries raised concerns and asked WHO to propose a way forward to change the name."

Symptoms of the infection include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and rash, Dr Looker said.

"The rash can appear as vesicles, pustules or ulcers and affect any part of the body, including the anogenital area," she said.

Symptoms may appear up to 21 days after being exposed to mpox and carriers are considered infectious from the appearance of their first symptoms, the CHO warned.

Dr Looker recommended vaccinations against the infection which requires two doses and are available and free for eligible patients through certain sexual health clinics, hospitals, GPs and pharmacies.

"Infection can still occur in vaccinated people, but symptoms may be less severe," she said.

Any suspected or confirmed mpox case must be urgently notified to the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.