Six more mpox cases linked to Winter Pride
A further six mpox cases have been confirmed over the past week linked to the recent Winter Pride Festival outbreak.
That brings the total number to 11 but Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) has reiterated it is the less severe strain.
There are two types of mpox, known as clade I and clade II - both have caused current outbreaks in African countries, with a recent increase in clade I cases in Africa leading to WHO recently declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The global mpox outbreak which started in 2022 was due to clade II and all cases to date in New Zealand and nearby countries have been clade II.
"All testing to date confirms the virus linked to the festival as clade II," Dr Emma Sherwood, Acting National Clinical Director, Protection, NPHS, says.
"All of New Zealand’s mpox cases since reporting began in July 2022 have so far been clade II."
An additional single case not linked to the festival but recently acquired overseas has also been confirmed, with a sample undergoing further clade testing.
"Mpox is a rare infection and the risk of it spreading widely in New Zealand remains low," Dr Sherwood says.
This brings the total number of mpox cases confirmed in NZ so far in 2024 to 16, with 66 cases in total confirmed since July 2022.
The symptoms of mpox 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
If you think you have been exposed to mpox, or if you develop symptoms, especially a rash, please seek medical advice. You can contact your nearest sexual health clinic, GP or healthcare professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice and support.
