New Zealand ministry takes active surveillance against human monkeypox

WELLINGTON - New Zealand's Ministry of Health is taking active surveillance against human monkeypox.

There are no confirmed or suspected cases of human monkeypox in New Zealand as of Friday. While the risk of importation of monkeypox to New Zealand is deemed to be low, active surveillance is underway, stated the ministry's webpage updated later Friday.

"Suspected cases are being investigated in other countries. The source of community transmission events and whether international cases are linked is under urgent investigation," said the ministry.

The majority of community cases currently found overseas are gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, according to the ministry.

"Clinicians are asked to look out for signs and symptoms consistent with monkeypox particularly in returned travellers or persons with clinically compatible rash. A telemedicine consultation is advisable where possible. Information about all recent travel, sexual history and smallpox immunisation history should be collected," said the ministry.

Members of the public are advised to seek healthcare advice if experiencing rash-like illness during travel or upon returning New Zealand or have any lesions on the body.

On May 17, 2022, a confirmed case of monkeypox was notified by Britain. Since then, cases have been confirmed in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the United States and Australia. - XINHUA