Health authorities in Queensland are actively tracing contacts after a rare strain of mpox, known as Clade 1, was detected in a man who recently returned from Africa. The individual presented to Logan Hospital, located south of Brisbane, where he was diagnosed. Authorities believe that approximately 19 community contacts and 40 hospital staff may have been exposed to the patient.
Health officials confirmed that the man was not contagious during his journey back to Australia. According to Tim Nicholls, Queensland’s Health Minister, “Those close contacts that he has been in contact with, including at the emergency ward and in other locations, are being contact traced right now and identified at this stage.”
Currently, the man’s family, which includes children attending high school, primary school, and childcare centres, is asymptomatic but is isolating as a precaution. Nicholls indicated that the institutions attended by the children are being identified to ensure the safety of all involved.
Understanding Mpox and Its Transmission
Mpox is a viral infection characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a subsequent skin rash or lesions. Dr. Geoffrey Playford from Metro South Hospital Service elaborated on the contagion window, stating, “The contagion window we define as being four days before the onset of symptoms, until after the skin lesions have crusted over.”
Officials do not anticipate a significant increase in community contacts but acknowledge that the number of hospital contacts could rise as tracing efforts continue. Over the past year, Queensland has recorded 135 cases of Clade 2 mpox, while Clade 1 has only been detected once previously in Australia, following a returnee testing positive in New South Wales in May.
Transmission of mpox primarily occurs through close or intimate contact with an infected person. Populations at higher risk include sexually active gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men and their partners.
Vaccination Recommendations and Public Health Response
Health authorities recommend that individuals traveling to regions where Clade 1 is circulating, particularly in Central Africa, consider vaccination before their departure, especially if they anticipate sexual contact. Vaccinations for both pre- and post-exposure to the disease are effective and available free of charge at sexual health clinics and general practitioners. A complete vaccination regimen consists of two doses for optimal protection.
The mpox outbreak was classified as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization in August 2024. The disease was first detected in Australia in 2022, with cases spiking to more than 1,400 in 2024, as reported by Australia’s National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System.
As contact tracing efforts progress, Queensland health officials remain vigilant in their response to ensure the safety of the community and prevent further spread of this rare strain of mpox.
