Mpox in Queensland update - 20 September 2024
The Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Branch has provided the following update on mpox cases in Queensland
The Queensland Health Communicable Diseases Branch has provided the following update on mpox cases in Queensland.
As of 20 September 2024, there have been 51 confirmed cases of mpox notified in Queensland since 1 January 2024.
There has been a total of 59 mpox cases notified since 2022 in Queensland.
- all cases have been sequenced and are clade IIb
- all cases notified in Queensland in 2024 were likely acquired in Australia
- in 2024, mpox cases have been identified in seven Hospital and Health Service catchments: Darling Downs, Gold Coast, Metro North, Metro South, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, and West Moreton
- the majority (51 per cent) of cases were not previously vaccinated
- the primary transmission route is sexual transmission between men who have sex with men
Vaccination
There is sufficient supply of mpox vaccine currently available in Queensland and it is provided free of charge to vaccine providers. Vaccine providers who offer mpox vaccination can be found online at Mpox vaccination centres.
- clinicians should identify patients eligible for the free preventative vaccination and any patients who have not yet had their second vaccination at least 28 days after the first dose
Travel
ATAGI does not currently recommend vaccination for people travelling to areas where mpox cases are circulating, who do not meet the current vaccine eligibility.
- travellers should be aware of the risk of mpox if travelling overseas where cases have been reported
- destination travel advice can be found at Smartraveller
Further information
On 1 October, the International AIDS Society is hosting a free webinar titled Mpox in focus: Global insights on prevention and treatment. Please register before 30 September.
