An epidemiologist has reassured Australians that the infection rate of the monkeypox strain that has spread to at least 12 countries worldwide is much less transmissible than the latest Covid strains.
A Victorian man is in hospital after contracting monkeypox – a rare disease similar to smallpox – while in the UK, another man from NSW who became infected will travel across Europe.
The World Health Organization confirmed on Saturday that cases of monkeypox had been reported from 12 member states that are not endemic to the virus.
Epidemiologist Adrian Esterman said the West African monkeypox variant that circulates worldwide is much milder than its Central African counterpart.
It also has a reproduction rate (RO) of nearly 1, making it much less transmissible than the most recent strains of Covid-19, with an RO of almost 15.
The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of Covid-19, according to Professor Esterman, and can include headaches, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, backaches, and exhaustion.
Within the first three days, however, an unusual symptom synonymous with monkeypox develops as a rash. In the latest outbreak, the rash appears in the genitals first before spreading to the rest of the body.
Symptoms usually disappear within two weeks and a month.
Camera IconProfessor Adrian Esterman said the new virus is less transmissible than Covid strains. Delivered Credit: Delivered
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant urged gay and bisexual men to remain vigilant, as early evidence suggested the disease was most prevalent in these communities.
“We know it’s transmitted through that close skin-to-skin contact,” said Dr. Chant.
“We especially urge men who are gay or bisexual, or men who have sex with men, to be aware of any unusual skin rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health clinic or primary care physician immediately if they have any concerns. worry.”
The percentage of people who die after being infected with the disease, known as the infection-death ratio (IFR), is around 1 percent.
By comparison, there are seven million confirmed cases of Covid in Australia and 8,000 deaths, giving a 0.1 percent death rate.
Dr. Chant has referred to major European parties and on-location sex as “superspreading events” during the monkeypox outbreak.
“It’s important to be especially vigilant when returning from abroad from big parties or having sex in foreign locations,” said Dr. Chant.
When asked whether Australians should be concerned about a new coronavirus pandemic, Professor Esterman said, “not at this stage”.
NED-6228-Monkeypox-graphic “Since the outbreak seems to affect men who have sex with men mainly, this group should be concerned,” he said.
“We already have a good vaccine against monkeypox, the vaccine that was developed against smallpox.
“The vaccine is also an effective treatment for those already infected if given within four days of exposure.”
The smallpox vaccine has not been used for decades since the disease was eradicated in Australia in 1938.
