The first cases of locally acquired smallpox have been detected in New South Wales, alerting health authorities amid a global vaccine shortage.
The state reported three additional cases of monkeypox on Sunday, bringing the total number of cases to 42. They included one case who acquired their infection in NSW and two cases who caught the virus “within d “Australia”.
It comes as Victoria’s health department has also stepped up its messaging after recording 40 cases of monkeypox, “about half” of which were the result of community transmission.
NSW Health chief executive of health protection Dr Richard Broome urged the community, particularly gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, to remain “vigilant” for symptoms, regardless of whether they had visited high risk areas.
“Men who have sex with men returning from overseas should contact their GP or local sexual health clinic for a check-up when they return, as the symptoms of chicken pox monkey can be mild,” he said.
“Symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after exposure through skin-to-skin contact and can include fever, headache, body aches and a rash or lesions in the genital area.
“It is important that people with these symptoms avoid close contact with others, including sexual activity, as condoms are not effective in preventing the transmission of monkeypox.”
Victoria’s deputy health director Deborah Friedman urged at-risk community members to “limit sexual partners” as local transmission of monkeypox increased across the state. The number has almost doubled since August 4, when 22 cases were reported.
Friedman said while most Australian cases had acquired their infection overseas, more cases were expected as the virus spread from person to person.
“The department is closely monitoring cases and contacts to prevent further spread in the community and is encouraging people who may be at risk to take preventative measures, such as limiting sexual partners, sharing contact information with sexual partners in case it’s needed for contact tracing. and get vaccinated if they’re eligible,” he said.
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The current outbreak has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men, but anyone who has been in close, usually intimate, contact with a confirmed case is at risk.
Nationwide, 92 cases of the virus have been detected, including 42 in NSW, 40 in Victoria, three in Queensland, three in Western Australia, two in the Australian Capital Territory and two in South Australia.
It comes amid a worldwide shortage of the latest smallpox vaccine, which is used to prevent the spread and post-exposure of smallpox. The Australian government has bought 450,000 doses of the vaccine, but only 22,000 have arrived.
The remaining 350,000 will arrive in early 2023, while 100,000 doses will be shipped in the last quarter of 2022.
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Aged Care said Australia had been able to secure supply in a “very limited” global market.
“More than half of the initial doses of the vaccine have been flown directly to states and territories so they can start vaccinating immediately,” they said.
“The initial vaccine stockpile will focus heavily on outbreak management to suppress the risk of local transmission … vaccination is likely to be expanded to other high-risk groups, including those who may be planning travel. . as more vaccine stock becomes available later this year and into 2023.”
NSW Health has received 5,500 doses from the Commonwealth supply since August 8. A spokesman said it had been prioritizing “high-risk” groups while keeping a “small stock” for post-exposure prophylaxis before additional doses arrived in early September and October.
Victoria received 3,500 doses of the vaccine earlier this month and had administered the existing supply largely through sexual health clinics to the “highest risk” people.
A state health department spokesman said eligibility criteria and supply would be limited during August and September as the state expected a larger supply from the vaccine maker.
ACON, a health organization specializing in HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders, has supported NSW Health to roll out the vaccine. Acting CEO Karen Price said there was “a lot of concern” about the virus in the LGBT+ community.
“So far, we are fortunate that Australia has not seen a rapid spread of the virus, but it is very likely that the number of cases will increase,” he said.
“That’s why access to this vaccine is imperative: if we can reach those most at risk … we can help safeguard the health and well-being of vulnerable members of the community.”