Health authorities have identified a new case of monkeypox in a New South Wales resident who has recently returned from Queensland.
The man in his 50s developed a mild illness after arriving back in Sydney, and upon urgent testing was found to be positive for monkeypox.
Investigations are ongoing to determine exactly where the man had been in Queensland, with NSW Health currently working with Queensland Health to identify potential transmission incidents.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says people should not be concerned, with the rare viral infection not easily spread between people.
“NSW Health is providing further information to clinicians across the state today to assist with the identification and management of potential monkeypox cases,” Dr Chant said.
“We will continue to work with GPs, hospitals and sexual health services across the state to provide advice on diagnosis and referral.”
This case is the second in NSW, however, the two cases are not related.
The man is currently being cared for in hospital and lives alone with nobody currently identified as a high-risk contact in NSW.
Several people who had other lower level contact with the case are being contacted to advise to monitor for symptoms.
Monkeypox is endemic to part of Africa, however, the World Health Organization reports that since mid May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from several countries that are not endemic for monkeypox virus.
People who develop fever and rash should call ahead before consulting their GP or sexual health service.
See further information on monkeypox here.
