Date issued: 3 August 2023
Issued by: Professor Ben Cowie, Acting Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Health professionals and the Victorian community
Key messages
- Two new locally acquired cases of mpox have been reported in Victoria.
- Mpox continues to spread in many countries. In Victoria, the risk of local transmission and transmission linked to international travel remains.
- People with symptoms of mpox should seek medical care and testing.
- Mpox vaccination is available for eligible people through certain sexual health clinics, hospitals and GPs.
- Clinicians should test for mpox in all patients presenting with compatible symptoms, in particular those presenting with a genital rash, lesions, or proctitis.
- Clinicians should offer mpox vaccination to eligible people at increased risk of infection. Two doses of vaccine are required for optimal protection.
- Any suspected or confirmed mpox case must be urgently notified to the Department of Health on 1300 651 160.
- Read the full Alert: Local transmission of mpox in Victoria
