Comprehensive Care

It’s Transgender Awareness Week 2022 – time to celebrate and empower our trans and non-binary patients, hoamahi, whānau and community ❤

There are nine new cases of Monkeypox (MPX) as at 9.15AM, 12 October.

All of the new cases have been identified as community transmissions where the disease has been transmitted within New Zealand as opposed to cases where the individuals were infected overseas.

Seven of the new cases are in Tāmaki Makaurau and two are in the Wellington region.

This brings the total to 20 confirmed cases in the current MPX outbreak (including both active and recovered).

An increase in cases over the last week was not unexpected and the growth in MPX case numbers in New Zealand reflects overseas trends.

While anyone can get MPX, overseas it has mostly impacted the MSM (men who have s*x with men) community and people who have s*x with MSM. The general risk of contracting MPX in New Zealand remains low.

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

We are also working closely with our community partners to ensure at risk communities have the information and resources they need to mitigate the risk of contracting MPX.

This includes guidelines and advice on potential symptoms and how to access testing. We are working hard to remove any barriers that will prevent people coming forward to be tested. This includes ensuring there are no financial barriers,

Testing for MPX is free and patients will not be charged any consultation fee at their GP, primary health provider or s*xual health clinic.

People with concerns about their health including possible exposure to MPX should contact their GP, nearest s*xual health clinic or Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Information about MPX, including symptoms and public health advice can be found here: https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/monkeypox-mpx