Health authorities have confirmed the first case of monkeypox in New Zealand, calling its arrival on our shores “not unexpected” given the increase in global cases.

The person, who is in isolation, is in their thirties, lives in Auckland and has recently returned from overseas travel in a country with reported cases of Monkeypox. The Ministry of Health says there is no evidence of community transmission here, with only a very small number of contacts of the case who are being advised to watch for symptoms.

The SMC asked experts to comment.

Arindam Basu, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury, comments:

“Now that a Monkeypox case has been confirmed, it is important to be careful about protection measures, as over the next few weeks more Monkeypox cases will likely emerge.

“Monkeypox and Covid-19 are different diseases and spread through somewhat different pathways, but at a personal level, personal hygiene measures and protection with masks are super important for both diseases, especially as Covid-19 cases will continue to rise. Being watchful about contacts, keeping a diary, and getting the tests at the first instances of common cold-like symptoms may be helpful”

No conflict of interest.

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