Date issued: 29 April 2024
Issued by: Dr Clare Looker, Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Health professionals and the Victorian community
Key messages
- Three 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.
- Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through certain sexual health clinics, hospitals, GPs and pharmacies.
- Two doses of mpox vaccine are required for optimal protection. If you have not had a second dose, get it now. Vaccination reduces the risk of transmission and disease severity.
- Clinicians should offer mpox vaccination to eligible people at risk of infection.
- Clinicians should test for mpox in all patients presenting with compatible symptoms, in particular those presenting with a genital rash, lesions, or proctitis. Atypical presentations do occur.
- 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
