Five cases of mpox have now been linked to the recent Winter Pride Festival in Queenstown, health officials have announced.
It’s an increase of three cases from the total tally reported yesterday.
A spokesperson for Te Whatu Ora Health NZ said testing to date confirms the virus as the clade II variant of the disease.
“Te Whatu Ora wish to reassure the public that the cases related to the festival are not linked to recent clade I cases in Africa.”
All local mpox cases have been clade II since reporting began in 2022.
People who believe they may have been exposed to mpox or have symptoms, especially a rash, have been urged to stay home and seek medical advice.
Health Minister Shane Reti said the overall risk to the country remained “low” yesterday as Medsafe gave provisional approval to vaccine Jynneos.
Symptoms of mpox usually show up between one and three weeks after exposure.
Most people with mpox develop a rash or other skin changes. These are known as “lesions” or spots, bumps, blisters or sores. The virus can spread through close contact, including intimate and sexual contact with a person with mpox.
On Monday, Otago University public health expert Michael Baker said the disease could be effectively managed.
“This virus is largely transmitted by close physical contact and is not considered an airborne infection like Covid-19 — though droplet spread is likely, and masks are also part of infection control when caring for mpox cases,” he said.
“Consequently, basic public health and social measures such as case diagnosis, isolation, contact tracing and quarantine of contacts are highly effective at limiting spread of mpox.”
According to Te Whatu Ora, 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.
Symptoms include:
- skin lesions — including any around your face, hands, feet, mouth or throat, genitals or anus
- pain, bleeding or discomfort in your anus
Some people also experience flu-like symptoms early on, including:
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever
- muscle aches
- tiredness.
Those at greater risk of mpox can book a consultation with a health professional at a sexual health service to discuss prevention options, including vaccination.
