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Since May 2022, there has been a global outbreak of mpox (formerly monkeypox), predominantly in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. In Australia, there have been a total of 154 cases to date, most of whom have acquired their infections overseas, mainly in Europe and North America. Before these two cases, the last reported case in Australia was in November 2022. Most cases only require supportive management, as antiviral treatment such as tecovirimat and vaccinia immune globulin is rarely indicated. Sexual contacts within three weeks of index case symptoms are managed according to vaccination status. Unvaccinated contacts within 14 days of exposure are eligible for mpox post‐exposure prophylaxis with the MVA‐BN vaccine; although vaccination within four days of exposure provides the greatest chance of preventing disease, later vaccination may nonetheless attenuate disease severity. Unvaccinated contacts outside of this time are advised to receive mpox pre‐exposure/primary vaccination. Vaccinated contacts are monitored for symptoms.

This MJA medical education shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the medical education
2. List main findings
3. Identify breakthrough infection to reduce future outbreak in high-risk individuals.

Details

Author: Madhara N Weerasinghe, Catriona Ooi, George Kotsiou, Vincent J Cornelisse, Arran Painter, Madhara N Weerasinghe, Catriona Ooi, George Kotsiou, Vincent J Cornelisse and Arran Painter

Article Type: Research.