New Zealanders may be eyeing headlines nervously as the World Health Organisation declares a global health emergency amid rising mpox cases. What should we be aware of on this side of the world?
The WHO has officially declared a public health emergency following a surge in mpox infections across Africa.
While most of the continent's cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 13 African countries have outbreaks, including the previously unaffected Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
More than 2800 mpox cases have been reported across those countries in 2024 so far, with more than 500 deaths.
The number of suspected cases in 2024 has passed 17,000, which is already much higher than previous years — and likely not a true representation of the spread of the disease in Africa, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
"This is just the tip of the iceberg when we consider the many weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing and contact tracing," it said.
Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya called on international partners to work together on a response to the emergency, saying mpox was "not just an African issue".
"The battle against mpox demands a global response. We need your support, expertise, and solidarity. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis," he said.
Mpox and New Zealand
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora told 1News it is closely monitoring the mpox situation in Africa.
"We are awaiting the WHO’s recommendations before determining next steps on how this impacts current public health advice in Aotearoa New Zealand," said Dr Nick Chamberlain, National Director, National Public Health Service.
New Zealand recorded its first case of mpox (then known as monkeypox) in July 2022 when a global outbreak saw the disease reach more than 100 countries.
Health NZ said there have been 53 local cases of mpox since then.
There have been four mpox cases reported in New Zealand in 2024 so far, all of them in Auckland.
Mpox is a rare viral disease that can be spread via close contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets or contaminated materials, like clothing, towels or bedding.
Most people who get mpox develop skin lesions that can be extremely painful. Those infected may also experience cold and flu symptoms, like fever, headaches, body aches and fatigue.
There are two types of mpox: clade I and clade II. Clade I is endemic to Central Africa and causes more severe illness. Clade II originated in West Africa and is the type that caused the global outbreak that began in 2022. Infections from clade II mpox are less severe.
"It’s important to note that all cases reported [in New Zealand] are Clade II – this is not the clade circulating in Africa that has led to the outbreak being declared," Chamberlain said.
He said the risk of mpox spreading widely in New Zealand remains low.
"While anyone can get mpox, outside of Africa, Clade II mpox has mostly affected people who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners, particularly men who have sex with men and their sexual partners."
Aziz Al Saafin breaks down all you need to know about the disease spreading across the world. (Source: 1News)
What about vaccines?
New Zealand already has access to an mpox vaccine.
It is currently available to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, trans and non-binary people who have sex with men, and people who are close contacts of someone who has mpox.
The vaccine needs to be prescribed by a medical practitioner first. This is because it is still an unapproved medicine in New Zealand.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson told 1News it is working with Medsafe to gain additional information required before Medsafe decides if the vaccine can be approved.
People at greater risk of mpox can book a consultation with a health professional to discuss their options.
The World Health Organisation last week called for mpox vaccine candidates for emergency use listing (EUL) in response to the growing outbreak in Africa.
The EUL process aims to speed up access to vaccines for use in emergency situations to protect public health.
What to do if you think you have mpox
Advice around potential mpox cases in New Zealand remains the same.
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora said anyone who thinks they have been exposed to mpox or develops symptoms should stay home and seek medical advice.
People can contact their nearest sexual health clinic, their GP, or Healthline free on 0800 611 116, which offers interpreter services.
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