Australians at risk of contracting MPox are being urged to stay up to date with their vaccinations, as New South Wales faces its biggest outbreak of the disease in years.
NSW Health has received 433 reports of MPox since June 1, making it the largest MPox outbreak in the state since the first case was confirmed in May 2022.
Of these, 26 people required hospitalization.
NSW 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 MPOX vaccine as ordered by the government to prevent the disease from spreading.
“The rapidly rising numbers of MPOX cases being detected across the state are deeply concerning, with 26 people requiring hospital admission due to the severity of their symptoms,” Dr Chant said.
‘The majority of hospital admissions occurred among people who had not been vaccinated or had received only one dose of vaccine. Although cases of MPOX occur in vaccinated people, cases are usually milder and shorter-lived.
Australians at risk of contracting MPox are urged to keep up to date with their vaccinations
Mpox is on the rise in NSW, with at least 433 cases reported in the past four months
‘Anyone can get MPox, but the virus is mainly spread through close skin-to-skin contact and people most at risk from MPox are men who have sex with men and sex workers, so we urge them to get their vaccinations up to date complete two doses. can provide essential protection against serious illness caused by the virus.”
Of the cases recorded in the state since June, NSW Health reported 37 per cent had been fully vaccinated, 14 per cent had received one dose and 46 per cent had not been vaccinated.
The CEO of NSW HIV and LGBTQ+ health organization ACON, Michael Woodhouse, urged people at risk to stay up to date with their vaccinations.
“People in our communities are at greater risk of acquiring MPOX, particularly 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 moments.
‘Two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has only received one dose should receive a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.
“The MPox vaccine is free for communities at risk of contracting MPox. You don’t need a Medicare card to receive this.
“All vaccination appointments are private and confidential.”
The two-dose vaccine should help prevent the spread. Photo: NewsWire / Daniel Pockett
Western Sydney sexual health specialist Rohan Bopage stressed the importance of being aware of the symptoms of mpox, which is spread through close skin-to-skin contact.
‘Mpox can also spread if you share items such as bedding, towels or clothing with someone who has Mpox, and it can spread to others until the lesions disappear,’ said Dr Bopage.
‘Early diagnosis helps interrupt the spread, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of mpox, such as low-grade fever, headache, fatigue or swollen lymph nodes and canker sores or rectal pain.
‘Many cases are mild, but people who have symptoms of MPOX, even if they have had the MPOX vaccine and even if these are mild, should contact their GP or Sexual Health Service immediately for an appointment.
‘Ask your doctor if it might be MPox, then testing can be done.’
Dr. Bopage said mpox can appear as small pimple-like skin lesions, especially on areas that are difficult to see, such as the genitals, anus or buttocks.