Victoria’s Surge in Mpox Cases Leads to Urgent Calls for ‘Sex Bubbles’ and Contact Tracing

Victoria is currently facing a significant increase in mpox cases, prompting urgent calls for the formation of ‘sex bubbles’ and meticulous contact tracing efforts to contain the outbreak. The state’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Clare Looker, emphasized the importance of maintaining a list of all sexual partners to assist with efficient contact tracing procedures.

The concept of ‘sex bubbles,’ initially introduced during the COVID pandemic, involves individuals limiting their sexual partners to a select group as a preventive measure. Dr. Looker highlighted the effectiveness of this strategy in conjunction with vaccination to combat the spread of mpox.

Unlike previous outbreaks primarily linked to returned travelers, the current mpox surge in Victoria has been predominantly driven by local transmission. The disease primarily affects men who have sex with other men but has also been detected in smaller numbers within other demographics.

Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is reminiscent of smallpox and manifests through symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Victoria has seen 76 cases within the last three months compared to just eight cases in the entirety of 2023.

Australia’s mpox cases have ranked fourth globally in May, trailing behind more densely populated regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States, and Spain, according to the World Health Organization. Victoria has accounted for 60% of the nation’s cases, with 27 reported cases in NSW and 17 in Queensland this year.

One individual, who contracted mpox after attending a sex party in Melbourne, shared his harrowing experience involving misdiagnosis due to atypical symptoms. Despite receiving the first dose of the mpox vaccine, the man contracted the virus before completing the second dose for optimal protection.

In response to the outbreak, health organizations like Monash Health and Thorne Harbour Health have been actively involved in vaccination efforts. Monash Health’s Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention, Professor Rhonda Stuart, highlighted the importance of vigilance, stating that anyone in contact with the rash faces potential infection.

Thorne Harbour Health has administered 700 mpox vaccines within the past eight weeks, emphasizing the vaccine’s crucial role in offering protection against severe symptoms if infection occurs. Eligible groups can access the vaccine for free through various healthcare providers and clinics.

Individuals exhibiting mpox symptoms are advised to seek testing promptly and inform all close contacts if positive. Isolation until lesions heal is crucial to prevent further transmission. The public can access more information on mpox through the Better Health Victoria website.