NSW Health is asking gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to be on the lookout for symptoms of mpox after three new cases were detected in the state this week.
The reporting by health authorities of the new cases in NSW on Friday came as South Australia also reported three new cases on the same day.
All three NSW cases are related to current mpox – formerly known as monkeypox – outbreaks interstate, bringing the total number of cases identified in NSW to 72 since it arrived in the state. Between May 2022 and January 2024, there were 69 mpox cases.
There have been 68 confirmed mpox cases recorded in Australia so far in 2024, already surpassing the total number recorded for 2023 (26). Victoria has reported 45 cases this year, while Queensland has had 12.
A number of the Victoria cases were from a recent cluster that resulted in more than a dozen cases recorded since April 18. Queensland recorded 10 cases in May, but there was no evidence those cases were connected to a cluster in Victoria.
Meanwhile, the ACT has recorded 4 this year and the Northern Territory has had 1 confirmed case.
NSW Health executive director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty urged men who have sex with men to be vigilant for symptoms of mpox.
“Please see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic should symptoms develop,” McAnulty said.
“Mpox vaccine is recommended for all sexually active men who have sex with men, so get a vaccine if you haven’t already been vaccinated.
“It is important to note two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has only received one dose should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first.”
The mpox vaccine is free, and you do not need a Medicare card to receive it, NSW Health said.
To find clinics offering the vaccination visit the NSW Health website.
Mpox is a disease caused by a virus, usually endemic to a few African countries. Since May 2022 there has been a global outbreak of mpox with more than 97,000 cases reported, mainly affecting gay or bisexual men.
Mpox spreads through close person-to-person contact, including sexual contact. It often starts with small pimple-like skin lesions, particularly in areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus or buttock.
Some people experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers or rectal pain.
Mpox can spread to others until the lesions resolve.
No vaccine is completely effective in preventing mpox.
People who have any of these symptoms, even if they have had the vaccine and even if mild, should immediately call ahead to their GP or sexual health service for an appointment.
For further support, you can also call:
- The Sexual Health Infolink: 1800 451 624 for vaccine booking support.
- The Translating and Interpreting Service: 13 14 50 for free help in your language.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
