Queensland Health alert: new mpox cases
Queensland Health has been notified of 4 new cases of mpox in Queensland over the last week. All primary health care practitioners (GPs and Nurses), sexual health providers and emergency department clinicians are encouraged to join the upcoming ASHM mpox webinar.
Queensland Health has provided the below update in response to 4 new cases of mpox.
Please be advised that Queensland Health has been notified of 4 new cases of mpox in Queensland over the last week. All cases have been in men who have sex with men (MSM) and are linked to interstate acquisition.
Clinicians are advised to:
- Be alert and test for mpox in patients with compatible signs and symptoms, particularly in MSM, regardless of previous mpox vaccination or travel.
- Have a low threshold for testing in at-risk patients, and when swabbing a lesion for an STI to include testing for mpox.
- Alert your local Public Health Unit (PHU) and advise patients to isolate while awaiting results, and to expect contact from the local PHU if the test for mpox is positive.
Community partners are encouraged to remind people in their communities to be vigilant for symptoms of mpox and encourage those who have not received their vaccination, or not returned for their second dose, to consider doing so.
We also want to remind you of the upcoming Queensland mpox webinar organised by ASHM for Tuesday 13 August 2024 6-7.15pm (AEST).
All primary health care practitioners (GPs and Nurses), sexual health providers and emergency department clinicians are encouraged to join this webinar, which will cover:
- Understanding the epidemiology of mpox in Queensland and Australia, along with the corresponding public health responses.
- Developing strategies to enhance mpox vaccination rates within your clinic.
- Recognising indications for mpox testing by understanding its signs and symptoms.
Further details are available via the flyer and our original announcement.
