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Health warning on monkeypox – Update 20 May 2022

Date issued: 20 May 2022 (update to 19 May 2022)

Issued by: Associate Professor Deborah Friedman, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease)

Issued to: Health professionals and the Victorian community

Key messages

  • Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
  • There have been several cases of monkeypox reported internationally and local transmission has occurred among these cases.
  • There is currently one case of monkeypox identified in Victoria, a man in his 30s who recently returned from the United Kingdom and is isolating away from the community.
  • Contact tracing is underway to identify close contacts who may be required to quarantine.
  • Monkeypox does not easily spread between people. However, it may occur through skin-to skin contact, contact with infected surfaces or items, and respiratory transmission.
  • Clinicians should seek advice from VIDRL and consider testing for monkeypox in returned travellers with compatible symptoms.

Read the full Alert: Health warning on monkeypox.

 

 

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