Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral disease that can be transmitted by close contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials. Outside of very close contacts, it’s not very contagious and the risk of the virus spreading widely remains low.
MPX is zoonotic, which means it can pass between animals and humans.
It's important to remember that those who get tested and diagnosed for MPX have done the right thing by seeking healthcare to limit the spread of MPX in Aotearoa.
From what has been observed overseas, men who have sex with men (MSM) and their sexual partners, have been at higher risk of catching MPX. This will especially be the case for those who have multiple or anonymous sexual partners. While anyone can get MPX, public health experts expect these groups to be the most impacted in New Zealand too.
Common symptoms include skin changes, such as a rash, blisters or lesions. Some people also get cold and flu symptoms, fever, swollen glands or muscle aches.
On 6 October 2022, Te Whatu Ora notified the first cases of Monkeypox due to local community transmission. It is timely to review your staff knowledge about this illness and PPE guidelines.
Community HealthPathways (linked in the files below) has localised advice about how to recognise, manage and notify this illness and a great place to start.
The always useful Dermnet (linked in the files below) has a great section including pictures.
Dynamed (linked in the files below) has a comprehensive review, the evidence base behind guidance and management and paints the international picture.
A change to the Monkeypox isolation guidance means that people waiting for Monkeypox test results will only be required to isolate if they meet specific criteria in a risk assessment conducted by their clinician when they are tested.
Guidance for clinicians is available on HealthPathways, and guidance is also available in the Communicable Diseases (CD) Manual. Public health services are able to assist in the application of the criteria if required.
A risk assessment and information sheet is also available on HealthPathways for you to provide to patients presenting for testing. Please note the space for you to record whether they are required to isolate.
Once results come back, positive cases will be managed by the public health service, and negative cases are not required to isolate or take precautions on account of Monkeypox.
Any questions or comments are welcomed, please get in touch by emailing the team at nationalpublichealthops@health.govt.nz.
From 10 January, people can complete an initial assessment to check if they are at risk of mpox at https://www.burnettfoundation.org.nz or by ringing the new dedicated MPOX Healthline on 0800 116 672 between 8am and 8pm.
If a consumer asks you about how they can access the MPOX consultation, please ask them to visit the Burnett Foundation website to use the assessment tool which will tell them what to do next. If they cannot access the website, they can ring Healthline on 0800 116 672.
This service (Lakes, Taranaki, Tairāwhiti, Waikato) provides funding for the assessment and treatment of Monkeypox in general practice. Funding is available for an initial consultation and a follow-up consultation per patient. These consultations must be delivered by a GP or NP. The follow-up consultation is to be delivered within two weeks of the initial consultation if clinically warranted for treatment related to the Monkeypox diagnosis.
Care is to be provided in accordance with clinical guidelines and suggested management. Claiming will be enabled 28 October 2022 and claims can be backdated to 3 October 2022. For more information contact Sally Newell, clinical services manager.
Initially published by NZ Doctor, Jo Scott-Jones discusses what you can do to reduce the number of phone calls, prescriptions and consultations for respiratory illnesses this winter.
Read moreRead updates about stock arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand, vaccines for the upcoming flu season, programme timing, training modules and more.
Read moreTreatment of patients with moderate COPD exacerbation that can be safely managed in the community.
View detailsBPAC traffic light system to predict risk of serious illness in children with fever.