The probable case of MPXV (commonly referred to as the ‘monkeypox’ virus) identified last week has now been confirmed by NSW Health.

It is the first case of MPXV to be confirmed in NSW. There have been no reports of any other cases so far.

Cases of MPXV have been identified in several European countries.

People who have recently returned from overseas, have attended any dance parties, sex parties or saunas, especially in Europe, and who develop any symptoms, particularly an unusual rash, should seek medical advice immediately.

NSW Health recommends anyone who has been to the following events or venues in Europe to look out for symptoms:

• Gay Pride Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain (5-15 May)
• Darklands Festival in Antwerp, Belgium (4-9 May)
• Any saunas and SOPVs in Mardrid, Spain in recent weeks

If you have symptoms, contact your GP or local sexual health clinic by phone or telehealth or call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624. Remember: do not attend a health service in the first instance – be sure to call first.

What are the symptoms of MPXV?

The incubation period (the time from infection to the onset of symptoms) of MPXV is usually 1-2 weeks but can be up to 21 days. Symptoms include a fever, headache, muscle aches, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash or lesions (symptoms are similar to COVID or the flu).

The rash usually begins within one to three days of the start of a fever, and tends to be more concentrated on the face, arms and legs. It can also be found on the mouth, genitals and eyes. The rash could be MPXV, syphilis or herpes.

How is MPXV transmitted?

MPXV is transmitted through close physical contact with someone who has symptoms.

The rash, bodily fluids (such as fluid, pus or blood from skin lesions) and scabs are particularly infectious. Ulcers, lesions or sores in the mouth can also be infectious, meaning the virus can spread through saliva.

Clothing, linens or objects that have come into contact with a person who has MPXV can also infect others.

MPXV has not been previously described as a sexually transmitted infection but it can spread in sexual networks through direct contact during sex or clothing and bedding used by someone with MPXV.

How is MPXV treated?

Most people with MPXV have a mild self-limiting illness and recover within a few weeks without specific treatment. There are some therapies available for the treatment of MPXV, particularly for people at high-risk such as those who are immunosuppressed.

Because MPXV is closely related to the virus that causes smallpox, the smallpox vaccine can protect people from getting MPXV. Vaccines may be indicated in persons at greatest risk of getting MPXV.

Why are cases of MPXV being detected among gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men?

A large number of cases detected overseas are among gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. One reason for this is the active health seeking behaviour of gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men around sexual health. Because MPXV rashes can resemble some STIs, such as herpes or syphilis, cases are being detected in sexual health clinics around the world.

It’s important to note that the risk of MPXV is not limited to gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men. MPXV is spread from person to person through close contact. Anyone who has close contact with someone who is infectious is at risk.

Stigmatising people because of a disease is never okay. Anyone can get or pass on MPXV regardless of their sexuality.

If you have recently returned from overseas …

People who have recently returned from overseas, have attended any dance parties, sex parties or saunas – especially in Europe – and who develop any of these symptoms, particularly an unusual rash, should seek medical advice immediately.

Call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 or call your GP or local sexual health clinic via phone or telehealth. Remember: do not attend a health service in the first instance – be sure to call first.

If you are planning to travel overseas …

If you are planning to travel overseas and attending any festival or parties, you can reduce your risk of contracting MPXV by avoiding close contact, including sexual contact, with people who have suspected or confirmed MPXV. Avoid skin-to-skin contact particularly with any rash or lesions.

As always, practice good hygiene, self-isolate if unwell and seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms.

ACON is continuing to monitor developments and will provide updates to our communities as the situation evolves.