New South Wales has the first locally acquired case of monkeypoxhealth authorities have confirmed.
To date, 42 people across the state have been infected with the virus. Most of them contracted it abroad.
Two of the NSW cases were infected in other parts of Australia.
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Yesterday’s announcement by NSW Health is a first for NSW and comes more than a week following the launch of the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccination program for those most at risk of monkeypox.
Community members have been told to protect themselves by health officials.
“NSW Health urges the community, particularly gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), to remain vigilant for symptoms of monkeypox following local transmission of the virus in NSW,” said NSW Health.
The virus is transmitted from skin to skin, but contact must be prolonged.
Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days following skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
They may include rashes or sores on the genital area, headache, body aches, and fever.
NSW Health warns that transmission is also possible through respiratory droplets during the initial period and through contact with contaminated clothing, linens or other items.
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“It is important that people with these symptoms avoid close contact with others,” said Richard Broome, executive director of health protection at NSW Health.
“Including sexual activity, as condoms are not effective in preventing transmission of monkeypox.”
For most people, symptoms stop following two to four weeks.
Basic painkillers can be used to reduce symptoms, and antivirals can be used in severe cases.
Last week, Victorian authorities reported that the monkeypox virus is spreading in Melbourne, the first widespread example of local transmission since the global outbreak began.
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