Health alert: Rare Mpox strain detected in Queensland

A rare strain of Mpox has been detected in Queensland for the second time ever, after health authorities confirmed a case in the Metro South Hospital and Health region.

Monkeypox Virus. 3D Render

A rare strain of Mpox has been detected in Queensland for the second time ever, after health authorities confirmed a case in the Metro South Hospital and Health region.

In a statement on Saturday, Health Minister Tim Nicholls said Queensland Health was on high alert after it detected Clade 1 Mpox, formerly known as Monkey Pox, from a recent overseas traveller.

“Contact tracing has been occurring, and the community can be assured that exposure to members of the community has been very limited and the public should not be concerned,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Mpox does not spread easily between people and is mainly spread through very close or intimate contact with someone infected with Mpox.”

The viral infection’s symptoms includes fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and a skin rash or lesions.

Mr Nicholls said anyone fearing they might have been exposed should first contact the health facility they were attending so appropriate safety measures could be put in place.

Free vaccinations were available for Mpox at sexual health clinics and some GPs.

Mr Nicholls said groups at higher risk included sexually active gay and bisexual men, as well as their partners.

Two doses of vaccine are needed for optimal protection and vaccination reduces the risk of infection and severe disease.

The Federal Department of Health describes Mpox as a viral zoonotic disease that initially spread in tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa but which have spread elsewhere.

Since 2022 there has been a global increase in infections, and was first reported in Australia in May that year.

The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a public health emergency in August 2024.