Queensland Health is taking measures to monitor for and respond to cases of Monkeypox following the World Health Organization's decision to declare the illness a public health emergency.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Peter Aitken said clinicians were on alert for signs of Monkeypox symptoms, which included a distinctive rash, fever, headaches, body aches or swollen lymph nodes.
Dr Aitken said Queensland Health was also liaising closely with its colleagues in other jurisdictions so it could respond accordingly.
"The World Health Organization's decision to declare the Monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency is a sensible precaution to take given what is occurring internationally," he said.
"Monkeypox is a rare infection and usually self-limiting illness but can potentially be serious.
"Queensland has recorded one case of Monkeypox to date, which was acquired overseas and posed a low threat to the community, however we continue to see cases appear in other jurisdictions.
"As is the case with other diseases, Queensland Health regularly liaises with its counterparts at a state and national level to respond appropriately."
While the public health risk to Queensland remained low at this stage, Dr Aitken said the community should be vigilant.
"Most cases of Monkeypox will recover within one to two weeks but severe disease can develop among a small percentage of individuals," he said.
"As with all viruses and infections, Queenslanders should continue to practice preventative measures through good hygiene and symptom monitoring," he said.
"This includes washing hands, monitoring for symptoms, and seeking medical attention if required.
