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WA records second monkeypox case in returned overseas traveller

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David JohnsThe West Australian
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WA has recorded its second case of monkeypox — in a returned overseas traveller.

The WA Health Department confirmed it was “closely monitoring” the person, who was in isolation on Thursday.

The case is not linked to the previous case announced last week and the risk to the public is considered very low.

Communicable Disease Control Directorate director Paul Armstrong said despite the low risk to the public from the latest case, it was important to remain vigilant.

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“While the current overseas outbreak has disproportionately impacted men who have sex with men, anyone who has had close contact with a person with monkeypox is advised to self-monitor for symptoms,” he said.

“People who develop symptoms of monkeypox should isolate, wear a mask and contact their GP or a sexual health clinic, who can advise about testing for monkeypox.”

Dr Armstrong said it was important for the community to watch for signs of the virus.

“Monkeypox is spread to humans through close contact with an infected person, either by direct contact with open lesions or prolonged face-to-face contact, or with material contaminated with the virus,” he said.

“A person with monkeypox can transmit the infection to other people through direct contact with skin lesions, or via respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

“The initial symptoms of the illness may include flu-like symptoms such as fever or headache.

“A rash typically develops that appears as bumps, pimples or sores, and develops into fluid-filled lesions, pustules or ulcers.

“The rash can be widespread or localised to one area.”

There have been 66 cases of monkeypox recorded in Australia.

People across WA eligible for the first supply of the monkeypox vaccine will be contacted by WA Health.

Further doses are expected to arrive in Australia by the end of the year.

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