Attendees of the 2024 Winter Pride festival in Queenstown are being advised to monitor for mpox symptoms following reports of suspected cases at the festival.
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora announced on Saturday that although no additional cases had been identified, it was aware of “a number of people across the country… who have been in contact with people now known to have mpox.”
The Burnett Foundation (formerly known as the NZ AIDS Foundation and Ending HIV) has called on people to help contain the outbreak.
Joe Rich, the foundation’s chief executive, urged anyone who attended Winter Pride and is experiencing fever-like symptoms or has lesions or spots in the genital area to avoid sexual contact and visit a sexual health clinic for testing.
Rich clarified that individuals without symptoms who attended the event do not need to be concerned unless symptoms appear or they have been notified by a contact.
“In New Zealand, gay and bisexual men, along with other men who have sex with men (MSM), are at the highest risk. This is where we’ve seen previous outbreaks and similar ones are circulating in Australia,” Rich said.
Health NZ also stated that globally, MSM are the most affected by mpox. However, this can include people of any gender or sexual identity, including transgender, cisgender, and non-binary individuals.
Dr Matt Reid, Medical Officer of Health, emphasised, “If you think you may have been exposed to mpox or if symptoms, particularly a rash, develop, it is important to stay home and seek medical advice.” He advised people to contact their nearest sexual health clinic, GP, or Healthline on 0800 611 116, which offers interpreter services.
Rich highlighted that vaccination is available through sexual health clinics for those eligible, with vaccinations being free for individuals meeting the high-risk criteria. However, he acknowledged that access is currently limited.
“We are aware of waiting lists at some clinics, and we urge Te Whatu Ora to ensure sexual health clinics are properly resourced so they can provide vaccinations efficiently,” Rich added.
Te Whatu Ora confirmed that all mpox cases in New Zealand are of the ‘clade II’ variety, the most common strain worldwide, which is generally less dangerous than clade I.
Mpox Symptoms
According to Health NZ, most people with mpox develop a rash or skin lesions, which can appear as spots, bumps, blisters, or sores around the face, hands, feet, mouth, throat, genitals, and anus. Lesions go through stages: starting flat, becoming raised or bumpy, filling with fluid, crusting over, and eventually flaking off. These can be painful and itchy, taking several weeks to heal. Pain or discomfort in the anus is also possible.
Flu-like symptoms can also occur, including:
– Swollen lymph nodes
– Fever
– Muscle aches
– Fatigue
Health NZ noted that some individuals may only develop a rash or a single lesion.
Vaccine Eligibility
The vaccine is available for:
– Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
– Transgender and non-binary individuals who have sex with MSM
– Anyone who is a close contact with someone infected with mpox.
