Attribute to Dr Susan Jack, National Clinical Director, Protection National Public Health Service

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora advises one new case of mpox has been confirmed today with a likely link to the recent Winter Pride Festival in Queenstown.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is continuing to investigate after a number of people who attended the event, including today’s case, came into contact with people who later have reportedly tested positive for mpox overseas.

All are being supported by NPHS and Sexual Health Services.

While it is possible that other cases may yet be confirmed, it’s important to remember that mpox is a rare infection and the risk of it spreading widely in New Zealand remains low. 

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to mpox, or who develops symptoms, especially a rash, should seek medical advice.

As the mpox virus can spread through close contact (including intimate / sexual contact) with a person with mpox, we also strongly urge anyone with symptoms to refrain from sexual activity and seek support.

People should contact their nearest sexual health clinic, GP or healthcare professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice and support.

To date, including today’s confirmed case, there have been 54 cases of mpox in New Zealand since the disease became notifiable in June 2022. Of those, five have been confirmed so far in 2024.  

NPHS has sufficient capacity to provide protection and appropriate treatment for mpox cases, and there are 20 locations across Aotearoa who are hosting consultation clinics, across 15 centres. We also remain well prepared should there be an escalation in cases.

Our response to mpox to date has involved a range of activities, including contact tracing and support, testing and treatment, prevention activities, and mpox consultations where appropriate.

People at greater risk of mpox can book a consultation with a health professional to discuss prevention options.

During the consultation, a medical practitioner discusses the individual’s risk of exposure to mpox, and the options available. These include protective and preventative treatment measures. 

NPHS is also working with Sexual Health and Regional teams, in particular in the major centres where wait times are longer, to determine the best ways we can support helping reduce wait times.  If you’re in Auckland, you can check your eligibility and book an appointment by calling Auckland Sexual Health Service on 0800 739 432. If you are based outside of Auckland, please contact your local sexual health service.  

For clarity, there are two types of mpox, known as clade I and clade II - both have caused the current outbreaks in African countries with a recent increase in clade I.

There are no cases of clade I in Aotearoa, or our neighbouring countries.

Mpox clade II is the most common type seen worldwide and all mpox cases reported in Aotearoa to date have been clade II.