WA records third monkeypox case in returned overseas traveller

WA has recorded another case of monkeypox, bringing the State’s total to three.

All three cases of monkeypox are returned overseas travellers, and are not connected.

They are isolating at home.

WA Chief Health Officer Dr Andy Robertson said the public should not be alarmed at the arrival of monkeypox in WA — the virus being far less harmful to humans than COVID.

“This is no COVID,” Dr Robertson said.

“It’s not going to affect the majority of the population.”

Dr Robertson said the spread of the disease was not air-borne.

“It can be sexually transmitted, but it doesn’t have to be,” he said.

“It can be through contact with lesions on an individual.

“And it can be through contact with materials used by people with monkeypox — for example, if you are handling clothing, sleeping in the same bed.”

Dr Robertson said most people made a full recovery from monkeypox.