Mpox Causes 48 Individuals to Be Hospitalized in Australia While Cases Continue to Rise in Victoria and New South Wales
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 21, 2024 21 hours, 22 minutes ago
Medical News: Australia is currently witnessing a significant surge in Mpox cases, particularly in the states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), leading to the hospitalization of 48 people over the past six months. The viral outbreak, which initially emerged in 2022, has escalated, with health officials sounding the alarm and urging immediate preventive action.
Mpox Causes 48 Individuals to Be Hospitalized in Australia While Cases Continue to Rise in
Victoria and New South Wales
Victoria Facing Major Mpox Outbreak
Victoria has been hit hardest by this latest outbreak. Since April 2024, the state has reported 330 cases of Mpox, with 27 individuals requiring hospitalization.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/mpox-is-spreading-across-victoria
According to Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Ben Cowie, this marks the largest outbreak since the virus was first detected in the state in May 2022. “We are seeing widespread transmission across the state, with cases rising daily,” Cowie said. While the virus has primarily affected men who have sex with men, the infection is not limited to any specific group. Cases of heterosexual transmission and even instances involving women have been documented, demonstrating that Mpox can affect anyone.
As of October 18, a total of 1,119 Mpox cases have been reported to federal authorities, with three-quarters of them located in Victoria and NSW. Victoria accounts for 329 cases, while NSW has seen a particularly concerning rise, with 512 cases reported in the same period. “The rapid increase in cases is worrying, and we must act quickly to curb further spread,” Prof Cowie stressed.
New South Wales Also Sees Surge in Cases
New South Wales has not been spared from this surge. NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr. Kerry Chant, announced that the state is experiencing its most severe outbreak since May last year. From June 2024 to October, NSW recorded 433 Mpox cases, of which 28 individuals had to be hospitalized due to severe symptoms.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mpox/Pages/surveillance-reports.aspx
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/mpox/Documents/mpox-surveillance-20241012.pdf
This
Medical News report emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. Dr. Chant added that nearly half of the new cases (46%) were among unvaccinated individuals.
While those who are vaccinated may still contract Mpox, their symptoms tend to be much milder, and the illness usually runs a shorter course. The virus primarily causes a rash, lesions, or sores, which typ
ically appear on the genitals or anus. In some cases, people experience additional symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or even mouth ulcers and rectal pain.
Vaccine Urged as the Best Defense
Health experts across Australia are strongly recommending vaccination as the most effective measure to prevent severe illness and curb future outbreaks. ACON, a leading health organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community, is encouraging high-risk groups, particularly sexually active gay and bisexual men, as well as gender-diverse individuals who have sex with men, to get vaccinated. “Our communities have a long-standing history of protecting themselves, and now is the time to do so again,” an ACON spokesperson stated.
The vaccination campaign is targeting people who are at higher risk of contracting Mpox. Vaccination is free, and no Medicare card is required. “People with compromised immune systems, including those living with HIV, are especially encouraged to get fully vaccinated,” the spokesperson added.
ACON also highlighted that two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection. Individuals who received their first dose last year should prioritize getting their second dose now. The recommended interval between doses is 28 days, and for those who delayed their second dose, completing their vaccination regimen as soon as possible is crucial.
"Now Is the Time to Act," Health Officials Warn
Australian health authorities are concerned that many people, particularly gay and bisexual men, are delaying getting vaccinated until case numbers increase further. Dr. Chant issued a clear warning: “If you are sexually active and have not received the Mpox vaccine, now is the time to do so. The majority of hospitalizations are among those who are unvaccinated or have only received one dose.”
Getting vaccinated against Mpox is not only easy but also entirely confidential. “The vaccine is free, and you do not need a Medicare card to receive it,” ACON assured. The organization stressed that the time to act is now, as the situation is becoming more critical, and preventive measures will be key in avoiding further hospitalizations and fatalities.
Conclusion
The recent Mpox outbreak in Victoria and NSW serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. With rising cases and increasing hospitalizations, health authorities are urging at-risk populations to take swift action. While vaccination does not guarantee complete immunity, it significantly reduces the severity of the illness, making it less likely to lead to hospitalization. Given the virus's spread through close contact, including sexual contact, it is crucial for high-risk groups to prioritize getting fully vaccinated.
For the latest Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-community-transmissions-in-queensland-australia-raise-alarms
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/drug-resistant-mpox-strains-discovered-in-five-american-states
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