Authorities issue warning after mpox cases acquired locally spike in Perth

Authorities have issued a warning after a series of locally-acquired mpox cases in Perth.

WA Health acting communicable disease control director Paul Effler said “men who have had sex or intimate contact with other men in Northbridge sex-on premises venues such as adult shops or saunas” in the past month were most at risk.

Eight cases of mpox have been detected in WA since August, all confirmed or suspected as clade II – the milder strain circulating in the Eastern States.

The first few cases were acquired in the Eastern States, but the most recent cases have been acquired locally.

“Even though most people have mild symptoms, we are seeing an increase in local transmission among those with sexual or intimate contact, because mpox can be highly infectious,” Dr Effler said.

“If you have symptoms – even if they are mild – see your doctor or contact a sexual health service and request a test. Avoid sex while you have symptoms.”

Symptoms start within three to 21 days of exposure to the virus and may include a rash that can look like bumps, pimples or sores, which later develop into fluid-filled lesions, pustules or ulcers.

Some people also have fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, or enlarged lymph glands.

Mpox is most commonly spread through sexual or intimate contact but can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, contact with contaminated items such as bedding and towels.

Sometimes, but rarely, it is spread through breathing in droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Dr Effler said it was important to raise community awareness of mpox and encourage people at risk to get vaccinated.

The mpox vaccine is free for those at higher risk including sexually active men who have sex with men (cis and trans) and their sexual partners, as well as sex workers and their sexual partners.