2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Australia
| 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Australia | |
|---|---|
| Disease | Mpox |
| Virus strain | Monkeypox virus |
| Location | Australia |
| Index case | May 2022 |
| Confirmed cases | 140 (as of October 2023) |
Deaths | 0 |
| Government website | |
| Health.gov.au | |
The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Australia is part of the global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Australia began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in New South Wales.
Background[edit | edit source]
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is endemic to parts of Central and West Africa, but in 2022, a significant outbreak occurred in non-endemic countries, including Australia.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
The first case of mpox in Australia was identified in May 2022. The initial cases were linked to international travel, particularly from regions where the virus was spreading. As of October 2023, there have been 140 confirmed cases in Australia, with no reported deaths.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
The Monkeypox virus is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals, or through contact with contaminated materials. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids, or lesions of infected individuals.
Clinical Features[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses through several stages before crusting and falling off. The incubation period is typically 7-14 days.
Public Health Response[edit | edit source]
The Australian government, in collaboration with state and territory health departments, implemented several measures to control the outbreak. These included:
- Enhanced surveillance and contact tracing
- Public health campaigns to raise awareness about the disease
- Vaccination programs targeting high-risk populations
Vaccination[edit | edit source]
Australia has utilized the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is effective against mpox, to immunize individuals at higher risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers and men who have sex with men.
Impact[edit | edit source]
The outbreak has had a limited impact on the general population, with most cases occurring in specific communities. The public health response has been effective in containing the spread of the virus.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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