Number of Australian Mpox Cases Surpasses 300 in 2024

Health departments across Australia have warned that monkey pox (mpox) cases are on the rise, with more than 300 detected this year so far.
New South Wales (NSW) has recorded the highest number of cases at 144, followed by 127 in Victoria, and 27 in Queensland as of Aug. 25.
In Victoria, all 127 cases have been identified since April.
In addition, there are 13 cases in the Australian Capital Territory, four in South Australia, two in Western Australia (WA), and one in the Northern Territory.
The outbreak currently in Australia is caused by Clade IIb of the mpox virus. This differs from Clade Ib of the virus, which has been detected in Central and Eastern Africa.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker recently warned that mpox cases were on the rise and is mostly impacting men.
“Clade one (I) is endemic in central Africa and typically causes more severe disease than clade two (II), which is endemic to west Africa.”
This rash can later develop into fluid-filled lesions, pustules or ulcers. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, backache, and swollen lymph glands are other possible symptoms of mpox.
Meanwhile, in response to the rise in cases, NSW Health is encouraging the community to be aware of symptoms. Just one case had been detected in the state before June 1.
NSW Health is asking people who may be at risk of mpox to stay on the lookout for symptoms.
In response to an inquiry about the rising cases, NSW Health pointed The Epoch Times to the latest advice from Executive Director of Health Protection Dr. Jeremy McAnulty.
McAnulty said some people experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers or rectal pain.
“People who have any symptoms of mpox, even if they have had the mpox vaccine and even if mild, should immediately contact their GP or sexual health service for an appointment,” he said.
The WA Department of Health issued a health warning after two locally acquired cases were detected during the week.
“If you have any symptoms suggestive of mpox—even if they are mild and even if you have had the mpox vaccine—you should contact your GP or sexual health service for an appointment. Wear a mask, call ahead and cover up any rashes, bumps or pimple-like sores,” Armstrong said.
Dr. Armstrong added high risk groups in the community should be “alert for symptoms and promptly seek testing.”
The health department confirmed the cases were the the same milder clade II strain of mpox. Despite this, Armstrong warned that a few people may get a more severe form illness.
“Now that we are seeing locally acquired cases of mpox in WA, it’s really important to raise awareness of this virus and encourage people at risk to get vaccinated,” he said.
Monash University Associate Professor and molecular virologist Vinod Balasubramaniam said Australia needs to remain vigilant about the spread of mpox, particularly from international travel.