First monkeypox case detected in Queensland

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor | July 11, 2022

Health authorities have detected the first confirmed case of monkeypox in Queensland.

The positive case is currently self-isolating at home in Brisbane under virtual monitoring and the risk to public health is considered very low.

Contract tracing is now underway and potential close contacts will be contacted directly.

Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness spread person-to-person via close contact.

It’s endemic in Central and West Africa with cases outside of that area usually associated with international travel.

The first case outside Africa was reported in 2003, with a series of cases in Europe in May this year.

There are 23 cases confirmed or probable in Australia, with six in Victoria, 16 in New South Wales and one in South Australia.

Symptoms include a distinctive rash on the face or extremities, fever,    headache, back pain and muscle aches, lack of energy, and swollen lymph nodes.