New South Wales records first local monkeypox case

The New South Wales State government has confirmed its first locally acquired case of monkeypox.

There are currently 42 recorded cases of the virus in NSW, with the vast majority of these cases having been acquired by individuals infected overseas who have since returned to Australia.

NSW Health has issued a statement urging all residents, particularly gay and bisexual people, as well as men who have sex with men to stay alert for symptoms. 

The spread of monkeypox occurs by direct contact with the infectious rash, scab, or bodily fluids during prolonged intimate physical contact with someone with monkeypox. 

NSW Executive Director of Health Dr Richard Broome has expressed the importance of people experiencing monkeypox symptoms to avoid close contact with others, including sexual activity 'as condoms are not effective at preventing the transmission of monkeypox'.

“Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure through skin-to-skin contact and can include fever, headache, body aches and a rash or lesions on the genital area," he said.

Dr Broome urged men who have recently had sex with other men and have returned from overseas to contact their GP or local sexual health clinic for a check-up if they experiencing mild symptoms.

Whilst this marks the first locally acquired case in New South Wales, Victoria currently leads local transmission rates, with approximately half of its cases reported as locally acquired.

At a national level there are 92 detected monkeypox cases in Australia.