New monkeypox alert as number of Victorian cases nearly doubles

Victorian health officials have issued a new monkeypox alert as cases surge across the state.

As of Saturday, Victoria had reported 40 cases of monkeypox. This is up from his 22 on Aug. 4.

Nationwide, there are 89 cases of the virus, spread by skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects.

Groups at risk, especially men who have sex with men, are encouraged to take precautions as cases increase.

Victoria’s Health Department said in a statement on Saturday that people should limit their sexual partners and protect themselves by getting the latest smallpox vaccine.

The vaccine is in limited supply but is available at many sexual health clinics in Victoria.

Monkeypox was first recorded in Australia in May of this year.

Symptoms include rashes, lesions, sores, fever, pain, and swollen lymph nodes, especially around the genitals.

international public health emergency

The World Health Organization last month declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern.

More than 35,000 people worldwide have been infected with the disease and 12 have died, health authorities report.

Of the 89 recorded monkeypox infections in Australia, 40 were in Victoria, 39 in NSW, Queensland (3), Western Australia (3), ACT (2), There are also cases in South Australia (2 cases).

-AAP