Man with monkeypox had stayed on island during Queensland trip

The popular Queensland island on which a man who tested positive to monkeypox upon returning to Sydney had stayed has been revealed, as authorities continue to try to determine if there are any related transmission incidents.

Symptoms of one of the first known cases of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patient.(Photo Courtesy of CDC/Getty Images)

A man who tested positive to monkeypox upon returning to Sydney from Queensland had stayed on Hamilton Island.

The holiday destination on Friday evening confirmed the New South Wales man, in his 50s, had visited the island from May 19 to 23.

It wasn’t until Thursday, June 2, that New South Wales Health confirmed the monkeypox infection in the man, who developed a mild illness several days after returning from Queensland.

New South Wales Health did not provide further information about where the man may have visited during his Queensland trip.

Hamilton Island advised the guest was not showing any symptoms of the virus during his stay at the island.

“The person (began) experiencing mild symptoms four days after returning to NSW, reported to their doctor and is now being cared for in hospital,” a statement from Hamilton Island said.

“The health and safety of our guests and staff is our highest priority.

“Health officials do not believe the guest was contagious while on Hamilton Island, however, we will continue to follow relevant health advice and liaise closely with authorities.”

The incubation period for monkeypox is typically seven to 14 days after exposure, according to the Australian Department of Health.

It is not yet known how the man contracted the virus or if there are related transmission incidents.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service advised local person-to-person transmission was suspected to have occurred among international cases via direct intimate contact with other people who were infected.

A spokeswoman from the health service on Friday said clinics across the Whitsundays had been contacted regarding the need to be vigilant for cases.

“The Public Health Unit in Mackay has been working closely with the Communicable Diseases Branch in Brisbane to assist investigation of this case,” she said.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said while it wasn’t a nice disease, it was “certainly treatable”.

“There are some vaccinations for it as well, but there isn’t a need and there hasn’t been advice that we go out with any sort of vaccination program at this stage,” Ms D’Ath said.

“We are aware of it (this recent case) and the health professionals are consulting with NSW and … making sure that our health professionals are keeping an eye out for any further cases.”

Symptoms of one of the first known cases of the monkeypox virus are shown on a patient. (Photo Courtesy of CDC/Getty Images)

Another man in his 50s on Friday tested positive to Monkeypox in Sydney after returning from Europe.

He presented to his doctor with a mild illness just days after arriving home.

He was isolating at home on Friday while New South Wales Health traced his last movements.

“This case is not connected to the two previously reported cases in NSW over the past month,” a statement from the health service said.

New South Wales chief health officer Kerry Chant praised the clinicians who identified the symptoms of the rare virus that until recently had never been identified in NSW.

“Monkeypox does not present a transmission risk to the general community and has until recently not been an infection most clinicians in NSW would have been looking for or concerned about in their patients,” she said.

“However, a local GP has once again identified the signs of this virus, and we thank them, and their colleagues, for staying up to date with the latest clinical information to provide care to their patients.”

The viral infection, which is endemic in parts of Africa, is not easily spread from person to person and symptoms include an angry bumpy rash, headaches and fevers.

People who develop fever and rash should call ahead before consulting their GP or sexual health service. Further information on monkeypox is available here.