Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker has advised that there is an ongoing outbreak of Mpox in Victoria.
This outbreak, caused by the Clade IIb of the virus, is mainly impacting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
Mpox is an infection caused by the monkeypox virus. It is transmitted virally and symptoms, which can occur up to 21 days after exposure, may include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and rash.
Free mpox vaccine is widely available for eligible people through sexual health clinics, hospitals, general practitioners, Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.
As of Wednesday, a total of 120 mpox cases have been notified in Victoria since April.
If you are experiencing symptoms of mpox, restrict contact with others and seek urgent medical care and testing from your GP or local sexual health clinic.
Make sure you wear a mask, cover any exposed rash lesions, and call ahead to advise of possible exposure when making your appointment.