Gay men and sex workers in Victoria are being encouraged to be alert for symptoms and get vaccinated after the state recorded its first locally acquired case of mpox in almost six months.
The latest case has not been linked to international travel, suggesting local transmission could be occurring.
Acting chief health officer Christian McGrath warned it was a particularly important time to be vigilant for symptoms, with increased travel and several pride events in Victoria at this time of year.
"If you develop symptoms, our advice is to stay home, restrict your contact with others and book in an appointment with your GP or nearest sexual health service," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Previously known as monkeypox, the disease is caused by infection with the mpox virus, which was first identified in monkeys.
A rash, lesions or sores, fever, chills, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and sore throat are among the common symptoms.
The virus is transmitted chiefly through prolonged physical or intimate with an infected person.
Since May 2022, a large international outbreak of mpox has predominantly impacted men who have sex with men.
Despite the World Health Organisation last year declaring mpox was no longer a global public health emergency, it continues to spread in many countries and the risk remains of local outbreaks from returned travellers.
Seventy cases of mpox were recorded in Victoria in 2022, before the yearly total fell to eight in 2023.
The Victorian health department attributes the decline in recorded cases to increased awareness and the state's vaccination program.
More than 250 providers across Victoria offer the mpox vaccine, which is free for all sexually active gay and bisexual men (cis and trans), sexual partners of gay and bisexual men (cis and trans) and sex workers.
Anyone eligible who is not double vaccinated should make an appointment with a provider, Dr McGrath said.
