Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand today reported a fifth case of Monkeypox in New Zealand.
The person, who has recently returned from overseas, is currently isolating in the Auckland region, following a positive test result.
“Significantly, there is no evidence of community transmission from this case and public health staff have assessed the risk of transmission from this case as low,” the health bodies said in a joint statement.
“To protect the privacy of this person and their contacts, we will be making no further comment on this case, at this stage.”
The Ministry has provided advice over the last few weeks to public health units, primary health organisations and sexual health clinics to assist with identifying potential cases. Health professionals are being reminded to remain vigilant for any possible cases of Monkeypox.
“We continue to advise anyone who will have close physical or sexual contact while overseas, or with people who’ve recently been overseas, to be mindful of Monkeypox symptoms and the health advice. See the link below for more information.”
According to the World Health Organization, the number of Monkeypox cases reported globally declined by 21% last week, reversing a month-long trend of rising infections and signalling Europe’s outbreak may be starting to decline
More than 50,000 cases and 16 deaths have now been reported to WHO since the outbreak began earlier this year.
Information about Monkeypox, including symptoms and public health advice can be found at Monkeypox (MPX).
