Another mpox case has been confirmed today linked to the recent Winter Pride Festival in Queenstown, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora advises.
Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director, Protection National Public Health Service says, “This brings the confirmed number of cases in this latest outbreak to two. While it’s possible other cases may yet be confirmed, it’s important to remember that mpox is a rare infection and the risk of it spreading widely in New Zealand remains low.
“These cases and other people potentially exposed to mpox during the festival are being supported by the National Public Health Service and Sexual Health Services.”
Dr Jack says, “Health New Zealand is pleased that Medsafe has announced today that they have given provisional approval for the Mpox vaccine, Jynneos. The vaccine has been used in New Zealand since 2023 as a preventative treatment against mpox for those at greatest risk.”
Mpox has mostly affected the following groups, who are at greatest risk of contracting the virus:
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
- people who have sex with MSM — this may include people of any gender or sexual identity, whether they are transgender or cisgender, and non-binary people. We also know there is higher risk for those with multiple anonymous sexual partners.
- People at greater risk of mpox can book a consultation with a health professional at a sexual health service to discuss vaccination.
Dr Jack says, “As the mpox virus can spread through close contact (including intimate / sexual contact) with a person with mpox, we also strongly urge anyone with symptoms to refrain from sexual activity and seek support.
“Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to mpox, or who develops symptoms, especially a rash, should seek medical advice.
People should contact their nearest sexual health clinic, GP or healthcare professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice and support.
Dr Jack says, “If you need to attend any healthcare setting, inform them that you may have been exposed to mpox before attending.
“People diagnosed with mpox are not required to isolate. You will need to cover skin lesions (where possible), and refrain from sexual and intimate activity until any lesions have healed completely. You should also use a condom during sexual activity for three months after your symptoms have gone.
Public health services will support you by checking in on your symptoms and providing advice on decreasing the risk to others.”
“There are 20 locations across Aotearoa hosting consultation clinics, across 15 centres. We also remain well prepared should there be an escalation in cases.”
To date, including today’s confirmed case, there have been 55 cases of mpox in New Zealand since the disease became notifiable in June 2022. Of those, six have been confirmed so far in 2024.