Tweet
First mpox clade Ib confirmed in Australia
The first case of mpox clade Ib in Australia is a timely reminder to at-risk population groups to get vaccinated. The risk of community transmission from this case is low. However, the Australian Government is monitoring the situation.
Date published:
16 May 2025
News type:
News
On 13 May 2025, Australia confirmed the nation's first case of mpox clade Ib. The person recently returned from overseas. There is low risk of further transmission linked to this case.
Health authorities first detected mpox in Australia in 2022. Until now, reported cases of mpox in Australia have been caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade IIb.
MPXV clade I has generally been considered to cause more severe disease than clade II. Recent data suggests the case fatality rate for clade Ib is lower than that of clade Ia and similar to that of clade IIb.
In the past, mpox clade Ib infections were isolated to central Africa, but recently health authorities have also detected cases elsewhere.
Mpox is caused by infection with MPXV. It typically spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact. It can also spread through contaminated items, such as linen or towels that have been in contact with an infected person.
Important: Mpox can be transmitted through any close physical contact with a person with mpox. This includes sexual contact of any kind, regardless of the sex of the participants.
Common symptoms include:
If you suspect you may have mpox, see your doctor or healthcare professional, and avoid close contact with other people.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Anthony Lawler, says robust surveillance and reporting measures are already in place to address the risk of mpox in Australia.
‘We are monitoring mpox in Australia with our state and territory health counterparts, and we have strong preparations in place. We can respond quickly as necessary, as we have with previous outbreaks of mpox,’ Professor Lawler said.
‘The National Incident Centre remains activated for mpox. This allows the Government to stay up to date on the international situation.’
‘We encourage people at greater risk of exposure to minimise their chances of contracting mpox. This is more important now that we have confirmed a case of the Ib clade.’
Vaccination is recommended for groups of all ages at risk of exposure.
People who may undertake sexual risk activities in countries with transmission of clade I mpox should be vaccinated prior to travel.
People who should consider vaccination include:
‘The best defence against mpox is 2 doses of the vaccine. It will minimise symptoms but can also reduce the risk of the virus spreading to others,’ Professor Lawler said.
If you are at greater risk of exposure or going to a country which has ongoing cases of the virus:
See more information:
The first case of mpox clade Ib in Australia is a timely reminder to at-risk population groups to get vaccinated. The risk of community transmission from this case is low. However, the Australian Government is monitoring the situation.
Date published:
16 May 2025
News type:
News
On 13 May 2025, Australia confirmed the nation's first case of mpox clade Ib. The person recently returned from overseas. There is low risk of further transmission linked to this case.
Health authorities first detected mpox in Australia in 2022. Until now, reported cases of mpox in Australia have been caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade IIb.
MPXV clade I has generally been considered to cause more severe disease than clade II. Recent data suggests the case fatality rate for clade Ib is lower than that of clade Ia and similar to that of clade IIb.
In the past, mpox clade Ib infections were isolated to central Africa, but recently health authorities have also detected cases elsewhere.
Mpox is caused by infection with MPXV. It typically spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact. It can also spread through contaminated items, such as linen or towels that have been in contact with an infected person.
Important: Mpox can be transmitted through any close physical contact with a person with mpox. This includes sexual contact of any kind, regardless of the sex of the participants.
Common symptoms include:
- a distinctive rash (it could look like bumps, pimples, or sores) on parts of the body
- fever
- swelling of lymph nodes.
If you suspect you may have mpox, see your doctor or healthcare professional, and avoid close contact with other people.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Anthony Lawler, says robust surveillance and reporting measures are already in place to address the risk of mpox in Australia.
‘We are monitoring mpox in Australia with our state and territory health counterparts, and we have strong preparations in place. We can respond quickly as necessary, as we have with previous outbreaks of mpox,’ Professor Lawler said.
‘The National Incident Centre remains activated for mpox. This allows the Government to stay up to date on the international situation.’
‘We encourage people at greater risk of exposure to minimise their chances of contracting mpox. This is more important now that we have confirmed a case of the Ib clade.’
Vaccination is recommended for groups of all ages at risk of exposure.
People who may undertake sexual risk activities in countries with transmission of clade I mpox should be vaccinated prior to travel.
People who should consider vaccination include:
- sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
- sex workers, particularly those whose clients are at risk of mpox exposure
- people living with HIV, if at risk of mpox exposure
- sexual contacts of the people identified above
- laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses.
‘The best defence against mpox is 2 doses of the vaccine. It will minimise symptoms but can also reduce the risk of the virus spreading to others,’ Professor Lawler said.
If you are at greater risk of exposure or going to a country which has ongoing cases of the virus:
- take steps to minimise your risk
- get vaccinated against mpox
- seek advice from your usual doctor.
See more information:
- about mpox symptoms, treatment and prevention
- for health professionals
- about mpox vaccinations available in your state or territory.
Comment