Mpox Cases Rise Sharply in Australia, Health Officials Urge Vigilance

SYDNEY — Australia has experienced a significant rise in mpox cases, with 35 new infections reported in just the past 15 days, prompting a response from health authorities amid a global health concern.

According to Philippines News Agency, since June 1, 2024, there have been 93 reported cases of mpox in the state, marking a substantial increase from earlier in the year. Prior to June, only one case had been reported in NSW for the entirety of 2024. The surge is primarily affecting men and is linked to same-sex relations. This rise follows global trends where mpox has emerged as a significant health issue outside of Africa, with more than 97,000 cases recorded internationally since 2022.

Dr. Jeremy McAnulty, NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, emphasized the mode of transmission and symptomology of the virus, noting that mpox spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. He highlighted that the disease often begins with small, pimple-like skin lesions, which can appear in less visible areas such as the genitals, anus, or buttocks.

Given the uptick in cases, NSW Health is urging those at risk to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if they suspect exposure to the virus. This outbreak underscores the ongoing global challenge posed by mpox, as over a dozen African countries continue to report high numbers of cases, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo, which accounts for the majority of global incidents.