Health officials in West Australia warned the public about two cases of mpox, but they noted that the illnesses were not the new variant that could cause a global health emergency.
The two cases were reportedly acquired locally.
Dr. Paul Armstrong of the WA Health Department said high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men should be informed about the symptoms of the illness and seek medical help if they are experiencing any.
According to the country’s disease surveillance system, there were 283 cases of mpox in 2024, which is a significant increase from the 26 cases recorded in the previous year.
The WHO declared the illness a global health emergency due to the emergence of the new variant known as Clade 1b in Africa.
In Argentina, officials quarantined a cargo vessel after one crew member fell ill and showed signs of mpox.
The country’s health ministry stated that the ship was placed in a river near Rosario after one of its Indian crew members had lesions on his face and chest.
Officials said that the individual had been isolated and only the ship’s medical personnel would be allowed to enter the vessel.
The new variant is a distinct one from the more deadly and contagious Clade 1, which usually emerged from contaminated animals.
The new variant is believed to be circulating in humans exclusively.
It has been detected in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic Of Congo. In addition, it has been detected in Sweden. A case of the illness was confirmed in a patient who recently visited one of the African nations affected by the new disease.
In Pakistan, a case of the less severe variant known as Clade 2 has been confirmed.
In Western Australia, two new cases were linked to the same strain. China has also started implementing measures to prevent the spread of the disease, such as restricting the entry of people and goods.
In DR Congo, hundreds of people have died due to the mpox virus, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled blisters.
Although most of the cases are mild, the illness can lead to death. In 2022, the WHO was worried when the disease started to spread globally, especially in North America and Europe.