Authorities in Queensland are on high alert following the detection of a rare strain of mpox in an overseas traveler, raising concerns about potential exposure among hospital staff and community members. Health officials are currently tracing 19 community contacts and 40 staff members at Logan Hospital, where the patient, who recently returned from Africa, was diagnosed with Clade 1 mpox.
The patient, who presented at Logan Hospital, located south of Brisbane, was not contagious during his journey to Australia, according to health officials. However, the potential for further exposure has prompted a rigorous contact tracing effort. “Those close contacts that he has been in contact, including at the emergency ward and in other locations, are being contact traced right now and identified at this stage,” Health Minister Tim Nicholls stated on Sunday.
Efforts to Contain the Spread
Currently, the patient’s family, which includes children attending high school, primary school, and childcare centers, are asymptomatic but are isolating as a precaution. Health officials are working to identify and monitor these institutions to prevent any further spread. While the number of community contacts is not expected to rise, officials warn that the number of hospital contacts could increase as tracing continues.
Mpox, a viral infection, typically presents mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue, followed by a skin rash or lesions. Dr. Geoffrey Playford from Metro South Hospital Service explained, “The contagion window we define as being four days before the onset of symptoms, until after the skin lesions have crusted over.”
Historical Context and Current Situation
In the past year, Queensland has reported 135 cases of Clade 2 mpox. This recent case marks only the second instance of Clade 1 mpox being detected in Australia, with the first case reported in New South Wales in May. The disease is not easily transmissible between people and primarily spreads through close or intimate contact with an infected individual.
Groups at higher risk include sexually active gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and their partners. Travelers to regions where the Clade 1 variant is prevalent, particularly Central Africa and neighboring countries, are advised to receive a vaccine before departure.
Vaccination and Prevention Measures
Health authorities emphasize that vaccinations for both pre- and post-exposure to mpox are effective and are available for free through sexual health clinics and general practitioners. Two doses are required for optimal protection. The World Health Organization declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, underscoring the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
“Vaccinations for pre- and post-exposure to the disease are effective and are available for free through sexual health clinics and general practitioners,”
As the situation unfolds, health officials continue to monitor the contacts and provide necessary guidance to prevent further spread. The response to this rare mpox strain highlights the importance of swift action and comprehensive public health measures in managing infectious disease outbreaks.
