Mpox cases surge in Australia

Mpox cases have surged in Australia over the past three months. Experts have expressed concerns about the low vaccination rate and the potential spread of the virus beyond urban areas. According to AFP, the information was sourced from Sydney.

So far this year, 737 mpox cases have been recorded, with the majority detected in recent months. In comparison, there were 26 cases last year and 144 in 2022. Most of the new infections have been identified in the south-eastern states, with only two female cases among the rest, who are predominantly male.

A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care told AFP that cases have been rising since May this year.

Dr. Matthew Shields, a sexual health specialist and general practitioner in Sydney, informed ABC that the virus is now being detected outside metropolitan areas, where the vaccination rate is considerably low.