Health authorities in Western Australia have urged people to be vigilant for mpox and get vaccinated after a spike in cases in the state in the past week.
The Department of Health is monitoring several recent cases of the virus, formerly known as monkeypox, in the state after seven cases notified in the past week.
There have been 22 Mpox cases reported in Western Australia so far in 2026, compared with 27 cases for the whole year 2025 and 23 cases in 2024.
Nineteen cases were acquired locally, and three were acquired overseas. Two of the cases notified this year were cisgender women, a first in WA. Another two notifications were in heterosexual men.
Communicable Disease Control director Dr Paul Armstrong said the Department was working closely with affected individuals and contacts to help prevent further spread of the virus.
“Mpox is a viral infection that typically causes mild illness, including fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue, followed by a skin rash or lesions,” Dr Armstrong said.
“It does not spread easily between people and is mainly transmitted through very close or intimate contact with an infected person.
“While anyone can contract Mpox, recent cases in Australia and internationally have occurred more commonly among sexually active gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.”
Most patients recover from mpox on their own, but some can become seriously ill. In recent years, QNews has spoken to Aussies who’ve experienced extremely painful symptoms after contracting mpox.
Vaccinated reduces risk of infection and severe disease
Dr Armstrong encouraged eligible Western Australians to consider vaccination, particularly before overseas travel to countries experiencing Mpox transmission.
“The Mpox vaccine is available through sexual health clinics and participating GPs for people at higher risk of exposure,” he said.
“Two doses are recommended for optimal protection, and vaccination can reduce the risk of infection and severe disease.”
Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to Mpox, or is experiencing symptoms consistent with the infection, should call ahead before attending a healthcare facility so precautions can be arranged.
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