Globally, cases of monkeypox have risen to over 90,500. Meanwhile in Australia, local community transmissions appear to have peaked — but local cases are still emerging. We find out what’s going on and what gays and faculty can do about monkey pox.
Right now, you’d be forgiven for running out of shits to give another health status! We’ve had many years to deal with COVID-19, pandemic restrictions and climate chaos. Not to mention that as men in other types, we’ve been living under the threat of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for four decades. Everyone is more than a little tired. So now is not the best time to throw another virus into the mix.
And yet here we are. Monkeypox (also known as MPOX, MPX or MPXV) is the latest virus doing the rounds – read all about it here. Within months, thousands of cases appeared in more than 100 countries that do not normally report the disease.
Is monkey pox fatal?
What a time to be alive! But we are just that—monkey pox isn’t the mass killer that AIDS or COVID was. It is usually not fatal and goes away on its own. However, it is very unpleasant and can be particularly painful for several weeks. Even though it’s not that bad for you, monkey pox becomes more serious in people with weakened immune systems.
The global outbreak of smallpox and atypical symptoms
The situation surrounding monkeypox is changing rapidly. Popular destinations, Spain, Germany, France, USA, Brazil, Mexico and the UK, each faced outbreaks between 3700 and 31,000 cases. According to the World Health Organization, the majority of these are among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men — although monkeypox can affect anyone.
With international travel returning, inbound travelers are inadvertently introducing cases of monkeypox into the country.
Other affected countries have contained their cases with vaccination. Australia’s vaccination program has also been successful in containing the largest outbreaks in Sydney and Melbourne. Swift’s community action has once again shown how willing gay people and educators in Australia are to step up to protect ourselves and each other.
However, one complication is that the symptoms in the current global epidemic are not what doctors would expect. Previous outbreaks of monkeypox saw more damage to limbs, faces and necks. But in one recent British study, 75 percent of monkeypox cases had lesions in only one or two areas, mostly on or around the genitals. It seems that skin symptoms can vary from person to person – for some, monkey pox may look like pimples, while for others there may be blisters or a rash. These varied skin symptoms could easily be misdiagnosed as herpes or syphilis. In addition, some people report having a fever while others do not.
What is the status of monkeypox in Australia?
For now, our case numbers are stable — get vaccinated and you’ll help keep it that way.
At least 150 cases of monkeypox have been reported in Australia so far. As happened abroad, when monkeypox starts to spread through local sexual networks, it becomes a much bigger problem to deal with. An undesired result would be monkeypox becoming endemic here (meaning it continues to circulate like the flu).
Although cases worldwide are declining, monkeypox is far from over. Other countries continue to report cases. Just one new case of monkeypox could spread quickly and easily through our communities.
Vaccination now will give you the best possible protection. Remember, it takes at least 6 weeks to achieve full protection, so book now — especially if you’re traveling abroad!
Smallpox control
Monkey pox was first identified in 1970. So, unlike the early days of COVID, there is already a modern vaccine that works to prevent it. Thanks to swift action by federal and state governments, Australia has already secured 450,000 doses of the vaccine.
The release of the vaccine is now underway in all states and territories.
Two doses of vaccine give you the best protection. Check out the monkeypox vaccine — what you need to know about the monkeypox vaccine for information on vaccine eligibility and how you can get it for free.
Fortunately, monkeypox is less contagious than something like COVID. You’re unlikely to pick it up on a trip to the supermarket or with the family for a Sunday roast. Although similar to COVID, it can be spread through close, intimate or skin-to-skin contact – the kind that happens during sex. It is also spread through kissing, coughing and sneezing (if you inhale infected droplets), or by touching clothing, towels or bedding contaminated with monkeypox.
Does all this mean it’s time to panic? No. But this is also not the time to bury our heads in the sand or wish the situation away with hopes and prayers. So what can you do?
What can you do to stop the spread of monkeypox?
We know from COVID and HIV/AIDS that sex doesn’t stop during a pandemic. And let’s be clear – no one is telling you to stop linking because of monkey pox.
Until you are fully vaccinated, if you want to reduce the risk to you and your partners, you can choose to have less casual sex or reduce the number of sexual partners you see. If you’re connecting, here’s how you can do your bit to stop the spread.
1. Get vaccinated against monkey pox
A safe and effective vaccine that protects against monkeypox is now available. Find your nearest monkeypox vaccination location using our interactive map.
The vaccine is provided free of charge. Maximum protection requires 2 doses of vaccine given at least 28 days apart. It takes 2 weeks for each dose of the vaccine to reach the highest level of protection in your body. Vaccinate before travel and party events and as soon as possible in your state or territory
States and territories are responsible for making the vaccine available in their jurisdiction, including how and where it will be available and who has access.
Find out more about vaccination in Getting monkeypox vaccine — what you need to know about monkeypox vaccine
2. Know the signs and watch for the symptoms of monkeypox
Most people develop symptoms in 1-2 weeks, but the incubation period (the time from infection to the onset of symptoms) of monkeypox can range from 1 to 21 days.
Symptoms of monkeypox may include:
- swollen lymph nodes
- fever/chills
- headache
- muscle aches / back pain / joint pain
- low energy/exhaustion
- skin rash, lesions or sores (for some people they may look like pimples, for others they may look like blisters)
If you or a sexual partner have any of these symptoms, do not have sex and avoid any physical contact for the time being. Self-isolation (see below).
Find out more about monkeypox symptoms at Monkeypox — learn the signs and symptoms.
3. Exchange contact information
Meeting someone new? Talk and exchange contact information so that if either of you develop symptoms, you can keep each other informed. This also helps health authorities with contact tracing – a critical line of defense in controlling outbreaks.
Record keeping is not only necessary for contact tracing with monkeypox. Sharing contact information and notifying sex partners is one way to help limit the spread of other infections, such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, shigella, and chlamydia.
4. Isolate if you have symptoms
Have you noticed one or more of the above symptoms or think you may have been exposed? Isolate yourself and seek medical attention immediately. Avoid contact with others and call your doctor or local sexual health service by phone or telehealth — don’t attend a health service without telling them first.
If you’re not sure what to do or need support to isolate yourself, contact your local LGBTQ health organization — find yours in our partner network.
Tips for travelers
If you have recently returned from abroad and attended dance parties, sex parties or saunas, monitor symptoms for 21 days.
If you develop any symptoms, especially an unusual rash, pimples, lesions or sores, seek medical advice immediately.
If you are planning to travel abroad, stay informed and stay up to date with developments:
- Get vaccinated at least 6 weeks before you travel
- Follow public health alerts and advice from local health authorities in the countries you are visiting
- Be on the lookout for any event updates (before and after) from organizers if you’re visiting festivals or big events
- Be careful and take care if you plan to attend sex parties or sex venues, especially in places where there are known cases of monkeypox
- Check the list of destinations are affected
- Visit Smartraveller for travel alerts
To reduce the risk of chicken pox abroad:
- Avoid contact, including sexual contact, with people who are unwell or have symptoms of monkeypox
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact, especially with any rash, pimples, lesions or sores
- Avoid contact with clothing, bedding, or items that have been touched or used by people with monkeypox
- Always practice good hygiene
If you develop symptoms abroad, isolate yourself and seek local medical attention immediately.
Information and support for Monkeypox
As we are inside else unprecedented situation, let’s keep in mind that queer communities have a long legacy of doing the right thing to protect ourselves and our loved ones. We don’t know when monkeypox may end in Australia. But we can be sure that in the face of yet another health issue, we will deal with it with grace, compassion and care for one another.
Do you have any questions? Contact us online or via Messenger. Alternatively, contact your local LGBTQ health organization.
Find information about monkeypox in your state or territory:
