Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health have confirmed two new cases of Monkeypox (MPX) as at 5 October 2022, since the 9 cases notified in the 28 September update.

The two new cases have been identified as community transmissions where the disease has been transmitted within New Zealand as opposed to all other cases where the individuals were infected overseas. The general risk remains very low. 

As there is currently no confirmed link between the two cases and no identified link to a known overseas acquired case, the agencies consider there is the potential for more cases to emerge.

This is not unexpected and the number is likely to remain low. While anyone can get MPX, overseas it has mostly impacted the MSM (men who have sex with men) community and people who have sex with MSM. There is a higher risk for those communities.

The two new cases are isolating in Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland, and public health staff are following usual contact tracing procedures in assessing any risk of further transmission.

We are working closely with our community partners and have ensured they have resources and information to share with their communities.

To protect the privacy of these individuals and their contacts we will be providing no further detail, and our next planned update on MPX will be next Thursday.

Since reports of MPX emerged internationally, New Zealand health officials have provided advice to public health units, primary health organisations and sexual health clinics to assist with identification of cases, and case and contact management.

People with concerns about their health in relation to MPX should contact their GP, nearest sexual health clinic or Healthline 0800 611 116.

If you experience skin changes or develop lesions or a rash then it’s important to seek medical advice, even if you haven’t travelled overseas recently. It may not be MPX, as many illnesses can cause similar symptoms, but it’s still important to get it checked.

Information about Monkeypox, including symptoms and public health advice can be found on the Ministry of Health website.