June 21st 2024.
In South Australia, three individuals have recently been diagnosed with a viral infection called mpox. The local health authority, SA Health, has confirmed that a man in his 20s, another in his 30s, and a third in his 50s have all contracted the virus. While mpox usually results in a mild sickness lasting a few weeks, it can also lead to more severe illness requiring hospitalization in some cases.
Dr. Louise Flood, Deputy Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch, has stated that the risk of mpox to the general public is currently low. However, she encourages anyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine to do so as a precautionary measure. She also wants to remind people that mpox is not easily transmitted through casual contact, and usually requires prolonged or intimate contact with an infected person.
If you suspect that you may have contracted mpox, it is important to seek medical advice and get tested. Vaccination not only reduces the risk of transmission, but also lessens the severity of the disease. Close contacts of mpox cases, as well as sexually active gay or bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, are eligible for the vaccine free of charge.
These recent cases in South Australia mark the first reported instances of mpox in the state since 2022. So far this year, there have been a total of 67 cases reported across Australia, with the majority (45) occurring in Victoria. It is important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.
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