What is Monkeypox?

Key Takeaways on Monkeypox in Australia

• Monkeypox is a rare viral illness caused by the pox virus, first reported in Africa but now detected worldwide, including Australia.

• Transmission occurs through close contact, including respiratory droplets, sexual contact, contaminated objects, and mother-to-child during pregnancy.

• High-risk groups include travellers from outbreak regions, close contacts of confirmed cases, pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals.

• Common monkeypox symptoms are rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and exhaustion, lasting several weeks.

• First aid management focuses on symptom relief, with doctors prescribing pain medication, antivirals, or antibiotics depending on severity.

• Anyone with symptoms should seek medical advice by booking a GP appointment, wearing a mask, and avoiding close contact with others.

• Australia reported 144 confirmed cases as of January 2023, with ongoing monitoring despite the national emergency declaration ending in November 2022.

• Prevention strategies include good hygiene, safe sex practices, avoiding infected animals, and limiting contact with infected individuals.

• Two monkeypox vaccines are available in Australia (JYNNEOS® and ACAM2000™), prioritised for at-risk groups such as healthcare workers and travellers.

• Vaccination may cause mild side effects like injection site reactions, headache, or fatigue, but remains an effective preventive measure.

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care describes monkeypox (pox) as a rare viral illness that causes mild symptoms that last for weeks. It initially occurred in Africa but has spread to other countries, including Australia. Symptoms may differ, transmission is possible through different contacts, and certain people are at risk. However, the application of preventive measures may help. Find additional details of these below. 

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a naturally transmissible disease from vertebrate animals to humans. It initially occurred in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and has spread to other regions. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an outbreak, and the first case in Australia occurred in May of the same year.

What Causes Monkeypox?

The pox virus causes monkeypox, which is under the same family of viruses as the variola virus, which causes smallpox.

How Does Monkeypox Spread?

An infected person may transmit the pox virus using the following methods.

• Via the placenta during pregnancy
• Intimate physical contact during sex
• Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Close contact with rashes, blisters, or sores on the skin
• Exposure to contaminated objects, including linens and towels

A person becomes infected from developing symptoms until the scabs heal. The whole process may take up to several weeks.

Who is at Risk of Getting Monkeypox?

Certain groups are more likely to develop monkeypox due to possible exposure and sensitive immune systems.

• Travellers who return from countries with confirmed cases
• People who have had close contact with a pox case

Infants, young children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised may also have severe cases once they get the infection.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Monkeypox?

Someone who has monkeypox may show the following.

• Rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Chills
• Exhaustion

Rashes look like lesions or blisters in different body parts, such as the face, mouth, torso, arms and hands, legs, feet, and genitals.

What is the First Aid for Monkeypox?

First aid for monkeypox aims to manage the symptoms, and it depends on the severity of the infection. A doctor may prescribe pain, antibiotics, antiviral, or intravenous medicines. 

What do you do if you have a Monkeypox?

According to Healthdirect, the national health information service, you must book an appointment with a GP when you develop monkeypox symptoms. Wear a face mask, cover any sores, and avoid close contact with others when you visit a clinic. 

What is the Status of Monkeypox Outbreak?

There have been cases of monkeypox since 2022, and most countries are still working with the WHO to prevent the disease’s further spread. In Australia, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) stood down Australia’s CDINS declaration on approximately 5 November 2022. However, the risk of pox cases in the country remains, so the states and territories continue to implement local arrangements.

How Many Monkeypox Cases Are Recorded in Australia?

One article in The Medical Journal of Australia states that 144 laboratory‐confirmed cases had been reported in Australia as of 3 January 2023. One hundred nine other countries have also reported a monkeypox outbreak.

How to Prevent Monkeypox?

Applying preventive measures may help avoid the disease.

• Keep physical distance from infected people
• Apply a good hygiene
• Avoid contact with any animals that may carry the virus 
• Use condoms when having sexual contact

Vaccines are also available for additional protection.

What is the Monkeypox Vaccine in Australia?

Two types of monkeypox vaccines are available in Australia.

• 3rd generation JYNNEOS®
• 2nd generation ACAM2000™

Such vaccines are available before and after exposure to the pox virus.

Who Should Get the Monkeypox Vaccine in Australia?

Anyone may get the vaccine, but certain groups have a priority since they are more prone to contracting the disease. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) identified the categories.

• Sex workers
• People who are planning to travel to a country with a monkeypox outbreak
• Healthcare professionals

People in these groups may go to their respective local government offices.

Do the Monkeypox Vaccines in Australia have Side Effects?

The vaccines may cause the following side effects.

• Pain, redness, swelling, small bump, or permanent scar in the injected site
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Chills

People who receive the monkeypox vaccine may also have to avoid donating blood and getting pregnant for a certain period.

Conclusion

Monkeypox is a transmissible disease from vertebrate animals to humans caused by the pox virus. It spreads through pregnancy, physical contact, respiratory droplets, and exposure to contaminated objects. Signs and symptoms may include rashes, muscle aches, chills, and others. Once you develop these, book an appointment with a GP who may prescribe a first aid treatment to manage the symptoms. This disease has been a global outbreak, with at least 144 cases in Australia since 2022. Proper hygiene and physical distance may help in the prevention. Vaccines are also available and given first to those at higher risk of getting it. While undergoing first aid training will have no direct effect with managing monkeypox, the skills learned there will no doubt be beneficial in other instances. Furthermore, the training will instill within you a sense of helping and providing care to anyone in need. Enrol in a course today.