Monkeypox outbreak

Last updated
Friday, 27/05/2022

 

The Australian Government is monitoring the multi-country monkeypox virus outbreak. Cases of the virus have been reported in destinations where it normally wouldn't occur.

The two confirmed cases in Australia are travellers returning from the United Kingdom and Europe.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports cases in parts of Europe, the USA and Canada. You can find a list of affected destinations on their website. This list is updated regularly.

Belgium has announced a 21-day isolation period for infected people and their close contacts. Other destinations may start putting health measures in place.

If you're in or near an outbreak location or travelling there in the coming weeks:

  • follow the advice of local health authorities
  • be aware of the signs of infection
  • follow the local media for updates
  • subscribe to the travel advice for your destination.

If you’re in Australia, contact your relevant state and territory health authorities urgently for advice if you think you've been exposed or have symptoms. Particularly if you’ve recently returned from one of the affected destinations.  

Signs of monkeypox include

  • fever
  • a blister-like rash on any part of the body
  • swollen lymph nodes.

For more information, visit health.gov.au or read the Monkeypox Q&A provided by the WHO.

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that typically occurs in central and west Africa. It's mainly spread to humans from infected animals but can pass from human to human. Human-to-human transmission can occur through:

  • close contact with lesions on the skin
  • body fluids, including respiratory droplets
  • contaminated materials such as bedding.

Human-to-human transmission needs extended close contact with a person who's showing symptoms. The spread can be contained with good community awareness.

Monkeypox is endemic to:

  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Nigeria

In areas where monkeypox occurs, avoid

  • contact with rodents and primates
  • contact with people infected with monkeypox
  • items that may have come in contact with an infected person.

If you’re travelling to a country where monkeypox has not yet been detected, be aware of the symptoms and seek advice from local health authorities if you think you may have been exposed.

More information: