Mpox (monkeypox) Explained: Current Risks, Prevention Strategies, and Public Health Response with Dr Alex Shivarev

The Good GP

In this episode of The Good GP podcast, host Dr Karin Sekhon talks to Dr Alex Shivarev, a public health physician from the WA Department of Health, to discuss the emerging public health concern of monkeypox, now also referred to as Mpox. Providing insights for GPs on the epidemiology, transmission, and clinical manifestations of the monkeypox virus, along with the distinction between the clade Ib and clade IIb strains.

Dr Shivarev explained what monkeypox is, its origins, and the different strains that have emerged. Discussing the recent increase in monkeypox cases globally and the response from both international bodies and local health authorities. He also highlighted the differences in transmission routes and the populations most at risk, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

Dr Shivarev mentions the vaccination with the JYNNEOS vaccine, which is available and recommended for eligible individuals. He also provided detailed guidance on the clinical presentation and diagnosis of monkeypox, emphasising the importance of history-taking and examination findings in identifying potential cases.

Lastly, they touched upon the future of monkeypox outbreaks and the potential for control measures to prevent further spread. Dr Shivarev reassures listeners that the risk of a wide-scale outbreak akin to the COVID-19 pandemic is low, given the effective public health measures in place and the community's prior successful response to the 2022 outbreak.

Resources and Links:

• ASHM Mpox Resource Toolkit - https://ashm.org.au/resources/mpox-resource-toolkit/
• Mpox Quick guide for primary health care workers WA - https://www.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Corp/Documents/Health-for/Infectious-disease/Monkeypox/Monkeypox-quick-guide-for-clinicians.pdf
• Mpox (monkeypox) (health.wa.gov.au) (clinician focus)
• Mpox (monkeypox) (healthywa.wa.gov.au) (consumer focus)

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