Australians at risk of contracting mpox are urged to catch up on their vaccinations as New South Wales faces its biggest outbreak of the disease in years.
NSW Health has received 433 mpox notifications since June 1, making it the largest mpox outbreak in the state since the first case was confirmed in May 2022.
Of them, 26 people required hospitalization.
New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged men who have sex with men, sex workers and their sexual partners to get vaccinated against the serious disease.
Eligible people can receive two free doses of the mpox vaccine as part of a government effort to prevent the spread of the disease.
“The rapid increase in the number of mox cases detected across the state is very worrying, with 26 people requiring hospitalization due to the severity of their symptoms,” Dr Chant said.
‘The majority of hospitalization cases have occurred among people who are not vaccinated or who have received only one dose of vaccine. While cases of mpox do occur in vaccinated people, cases tend to be milder and for a shorter period of time.
Australians at risk of contracting mpox are urged to catch up on their vaccinations.
Mpox is increasing in New South Wales with at least 433 cases reported in the last four months
‘Anyone can contract mpox, however the virus is mainly transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact and the people most at risk of contracting mpox are men who have sex with men and sex workers, so we urge you to complete their vaccines with two doses. can provide vital protection against serious illness caused by the virus.
Of the cases recorded in the state since June, NSW Health reported that 37 per cent were fully vaccinated, 14 per cent had received one dose and 46 per cent were unvaccinated.
NSW LGBTQ+ and HIV health organization ACON chief executive Michael Woodhouse urged people at risk to stay up to date with their vaccinations.
“People in our communities are at increased risk of contracting mpox, especially sexually active gay and bisexual men and their partners,” Mr Woodhouse said.
‘Our communities have a long history of doing what is necessary to protect ourselves and our partners. Now is one of those times.
‘Two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has received only one dose should receive a second dose at least 28 days after the first.
‘The mpox vaccine is free for communities at risk of contracting mpox. You don’t need a Medicare card to receive it.
“All vaccination appointments are private and confidential.”
The two-dose vaccine should help prevent the spread. Image: NewsWire/Daniel Pockett
Western Sydney Local Health District sexual health specialist Dr Rohan Bopage stressed the importance of being aware of the symptoms of mpox, which is transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact.
“MPOX can also be spread by sharing items, such as bedding, towels, or clothing, with someone who has MPOX, and it can be spread to other people until the lesions resolve,” Dr. Bopage said.
“Receiving an early diagnosis helps stop the spread, so it’s important to watch for mpox symptoms, which may include mild fever, headache, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers or rectal pain. .
“Many cases are mild, but people who have any symptoms of mpox, even if they have had the mpox vaccine and even if they are mild, should immediately contact their GP or sexual health service to make an appointment.
“Ask your doctor if it could be mox, so you can get tested.”
Dr. Bopage said mpox can appear as small, pimple-like skin lesions, especially in hard-to-see areas such as the genitals, anus, or buttocks.