NSW Health has identified a new case of monkeypox in a NSW resident who recently returned from Queensland.
A man in his 50s developed a mild illness several days after arriving back in Sydney.
He subsequently presented to his GP and then hospital with symptoms clinically compatible with monkeypox. Urgent testing is consistent with monkeypox, the second case in NSW.
The man is currently being cared for in hospital. He lives alone and investigations to date have identified no high-risk contacts in NSW who are required to isolate. Several people who had other lower level contact with the case are being contacted to advise to monitor for symptoms.
This case is not connected to the first case reported in NSW on 20 May.
NSW Health is working with Queensland Health to identify potential transmission incidents.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant reiterated the general community does not need to be concerned by the risk of the virus, which is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people.
“NSW Health is providing further information to clinicians across the state today to assist with the identification and management of potential monkeypox cases,” Dr Chant said.
“We will continue to work with GPs, hospitals and sexual health services across the state to provide advice on diagnosis and referral.”
Monkeypox is endemic to part of Africa. However, the World Health Organization reports that since mid May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from several countries that are not endemic for monkeypox virus. Cases have occurred among men who have sex with men as well as other people.
People who develop fever and rash should call ahead before consulting their GP or sexual health service.
See further information on monkeypox.
