Wimmera Mallee residents are advised that there have been three new cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkey Pox) detected in Victoria over the past week.
A viral infection which usually results in a mild illness, sufferers of Mpox generally recover within a few weeks, however, others may develop severe illness which requires hospitalisation.
Mpox continues to spread in many countries. In Victoria, the risk of local transmission and transmission linked to international travel remains.
While the current outbreak has predominantly impacted men who have sexual contact with other men, anyone who has been in close and prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk.
Symptoms can occur up to 21 days after exposure, and may include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and rash.
The rash can appear as vesicles, pustules or ulcers and affect any part of the body, with other symptoms potentially including pain on urination or rectal pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea.
Free Mpox vaccinations are widely available for eligible people, with anyone experiencing symptoms requested to seek medical care and testing.
All suspected or confirmed cases are required to be reported to the Department of Health.
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