Queensland has its first confirmed case of smallpox, but the risk to public health is very low, according to authorities.
Key points:
- Currently, the infected person is isolated in Brisbane
- Smallpox is a rare viral infection previously associated with travel to Central and West Africa.
- The disease is usually mild and recovery usually takes a few weeks
A Queensland Health statement said a person who tested positive for the virus is currently being isolated at home in Brisbane under virtual control.
Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral disease that is transmitted from person to person through close contact.
Queensland Health said contact tracking was underway and authorities would contact potential contacts close to the person directly.
This week, health authorities in New South Wales urged people to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox after the likely transmission of the virus in that state.
Monkeypox was previously associated with trips to Central and West Africa, but thousands of cases of monkeypox have been reported in several countries that are not endemic to the virus this year, including several European countries and the United States.
Infection should be confirmed by testing blister fluid or rash scabs.
These symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure and most people recover within a few weeks.
Initial symptoms that can be experienced for up to five days include:
- fever
- headache
- back pain and muscle aches
- lack of energy
- swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
A characteristic rash usually begins between one and three days after having a fever, with the number of lesions ranging from a few to several thousand.
Posted 1 h ago 1 hour Monday 11 July 2022 at 08:05, updated 1 h Mon. July 11, 2022 at 8:09 AM