NSW Health is asking gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to be on the lookout for symptoms of mpox following the recent detection of new cases.
In NSW there were 69 mpox cases between May 2022 and January 2024.
Three new mpox cases have been confirmed this week, all of which are related to current mpox outbreaks interstate, bringing the total number of mpox cases identified in NSW to 72.
NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty urged men who have sex with men to be vigilant for symptoms of mpox.
“Please see your GP or visit a sexual health clinic should symptoms develop,” Dr McAnulty said.
“Mpox vaccine is recommended for all sexually active men who have sex with men, so get a vaccine if you haven’t already been vaccinated.
“It is important to note two doses of vaccine are required, so anyone who has only received one dose should get a second dose at least 28 days after the first.”
The mpox vaccine is free, and you do not need a Medicare card to receive it.
To find clinics offering the vaccination, refer to Mpox vaccination clinics.
Mpox is a disease caused by a virus, usually endemic to a few African countries. Since May 2022 there has been a global outbreak of mpox with over 97,000 cases reported, mainly affecting gay or bisexual men.
Mpox spreads through close person to person contact, including sexual contact. It often starts with small pimple-like skin lesions particularly in areas that are hard to see such as the genitals, anus or buttock.
Some people experience mild fever, headache, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers or rectal pain.
Mpox can spread to others until the lesions resolve.
No vaccine is completely effective in preventing mpox.
People who have any of these symptoms, even if they have had the vaccine and even if mild, should immediately call ahead to their GP or sexual health service for an appointment.
For further support, you can also call:
- The Sexual Health Infolink: 1800 451 624 for vaccine booking support.
- The Translating and Interpreting Service: 13 14 50 for free help in your language.
