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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMpox 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,\u201d Dr Armstrong said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does not spread easily between people and is mainly transmitted through very close or intimate contact with an infected person.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most patients recover from mpox on their own, but some can become seriously ill. In recent years, QNews has spoken to Aussies who\u2019ve experienced extremely painful symptoms after contracting mpox.<\/p>\n
Vaccinated reduces risk of infection and severe disease<\/p>\n
Dr Armstrong encouraged eligible Western Australians to consider vaccination, particularly before overseas travel to countries experiencing Mpox transmission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mpox vaccine is available through sexual health clinics and participating GPs for people at higher risk of exposure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo doses are recommended for optimal protection, and vaccination can reduce the risk of infection and severe disease.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For the latest LGBTIQA+\u00a0Sister Girl and Brother Boy\u00a0news,<\/a>\u00a0entertainment,<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0community stories<\/a>\u00a0in Australia, visit\u00a0qnews.com.au<\/a>. Find us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t