Mpox strain detected for second time in Australian history

Queensland Health has confirmed one case of overseas acquired mpox has been detected in the state, with tests confirming it is clade 1 of the virus.
 
It is just the second time this strain has been reported in Australia. 
 
Health authorities say contact tracing is now underway, adding that exposure to members of the community has been ‘very limited and the public should not be concerned’.
 
‘The patient has a close family, and that family are isolating at home,’ said Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls.
 
‘He was not contagious on the return journey to Australia from Africa, and those close contacts that he has been in contact [with], including at the emergency ward and other locations, are being contact traced right now and identified.
 
‘We think that there are 19 community contacts and 40 staff contacts that have been in contact with the patient – at the moment his symptoms are asymptomatic.’
 
It comes after cases of mpox spiked in Australia last year, with 1409 cases reported in 2024 compared to just 26 in 2023.
 
Australia’s first case of mpox was spotted by a GP in 2022 after the patient developed a mild illness several days after returning to Sydney from overseas travel and presented to a general practice.
 
Health authorities are now reminding patients that mpox vaccination is available for post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as primary preventive vaccination.
 
High-risk groups are eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and GPs, with pre-travel vaccination free and recommended for eligible patients.
 
Last year, severe shortages of the vaccines were reported in Queensland, however Minister Nicholls said that has now been resolved and the state has ‘ample supplies’.
 
Queensland Health has also reminded patients and healthcare professionals that if someone believes they have been exposed to mpox, they should call ahead to the health facility first to ensure appropriate safety measures can be put in place.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

mpox vaccination vaccines