Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Prof. Rhonda Stuart, Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention at Monash Health & Director of the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU)
Mew data shows Mpox cases are on the rise locally, with 52 cases reported statewide since August 1 alone. While the virus continues to circulate globally, localised findings reveal a dramatic difference in how severely it impacts people based on their vaccination status. Joining us today on Saturday Magazine is Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention at Monash Health and Director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit. Good morning Rhonda.
Her team has analysed 205 local Mpox cases recorded since 2024 – and they’ve found data proving that vaccination hospital emergency visits—from over 31% in unvaccinated patients down to under 9% for those fully vaccinated.
Cases are climbing across Victoria, with 52 cases reported since August 1, 2026. SEPHU Cohort (205 Cases): All cases recorded in Melbourne’s south-east (a catchment of 1.8 million people) were men.
Emergency Department (ED) Rates by Vaccination Status:
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- Unvaccinated: 31.6% required an emergency department visit.
- 1 Vaccine Dose: 16.6% required an ED visit.
- Fully Vaccinated (2 Doses): 8.6% required an ED visit. Key Takeaway: A full two-dose vaccination course cuts ED presentation risk by nearly 75% compared to being unvaccinated.
- Viral Strains & The Clade 1b Variant
- Transmission Dynamics: Spread occurs primarily through close physical contact (such as sexual activity), contact with contaminated objects (towels, bedding, sex toys), or respiratory droplets/body fluids.
- Clade 1b Strain: SEPHU has recorded one case of Clade 1b mpox in its region. Clade 1b is considered more transmissible than earlier strains (like Clade IIb).
- Cross-Protection: The free JYNNEOS vaccine provides effective protection against both Clade 1 and Clade 2 strains.
- High-Risk Groups & Clinical Guidance
- At-Risk Cohorts: Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and their sexual partners remain at highest risk, particularly those with multiple or casual partners or who attend sex-on-premises venues or events.
- Vulnerable Populations: Immunocompromised individuals, children, and pregnant women face a higher risk of severe illness if exposed.
- Clinical Advice: Health authorities are advising doctors to test any sexually active person presenting with symptoms (fever, rash, localized lesions, rectal/genital pain) regardless of their sexual orientation, travel history, or vaccination status.
The post Sat, 3rd, Oct, 2026: Prof. Rhonda Stuart, Director of Public Health and Infection Prevention at Monash Health & Director of the South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.