Victorians urged to be on alert amid new outbreak of monkey pox

Victorians are being urged to get tested if they develop symptoms of monkey pox amid a new outbreak of the infectious virus.

A new outbreak of the infectious mpox virus has hit Victoria.

Victorians are being urged to get tested if they develop symptoms of mpox amid a new outbreak of the infectious virus.

Three cases have been detected in the state over the past fortnight, and Victoria’s chief health officer Dr Clare Looker said the cases were acquired locally, not linked to returned overseas travellers.

Symptoms of mpox – previously known as monkeypox – can occur up to 21 days after exposure, and include a painful blistering rash, flu-like symptoms and diarrhoea.

“While the current outbreak has predominantly impacted men who have sex with men, anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk,” Dr Looker said.

She urged eligible people to get a free vaccine at their GP or a sexual health clinic, with two doses of the jab required for the best protection.

A global outbreak of mpox was first recorded in 2022.

Victoria recorded eight cases of mpox in 2023, down from 70 cases the year before following increased awareness of the vaccination program.

Five cases have been detected in the state this year.

Originally published as Victorians urged to be on alert amid new outbreak of monkey pox