RANZCOG statement on Monkeypox (MPX)
RANZCOG recognises its responsibility to respond to this situation as a medical college.
RANZCOG recognises its responsibility to respond to this situation as a medical college and the lead standards body in women’s health in Australia and New Zealand.
About monkeypox or MPX
MPX is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs mostly in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa but can spread to other regions. Zoonotic diseases can spread between animals and humans.
On 28 July 2022, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer declared monkeypox to be a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the MPX outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on 23 July 2022.
Key points
- If infected, infants, young children, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of becoming severely unwell.
- The virus can also pass to the fetus via the placenta during pregnancy.
Treatments and vaccines
Australia
In Australia, the College’s advice aligns with that issued by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
- Read more about treatments and vaccines from the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care.
- Read more on the ATAGI clinical guidance on vaccination against Monkeypox.
New Zealand
Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) and Pharmac are working to secure vaccines to use against MPX.
Information about MPX, including symptoms and public health advice can be found on the Ministry of Health website.
Resources – Australia
Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care
- Monkeypox (MPX) health alert
- MPX disease page
- MPX vaccines
- MPX resources, including information for health professionals
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)
Resources – New Zealand
New Zealand Ministry of Health
Disclaimer
RANZCOG commentary on MPX should be considered advisory, and the general public should heed the advice of government and health authorities.