[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Australia has decided to designate monkeypox as a major national infectious disease for management.
On the 28th (local time), according to Australian media, Paul Kelly, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, announced that following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring monkeypox infection a public health emergency of international concern, the Australian government also designated monkeypox as a national infectious disease on the same day.
With this designation, the government can implement or intervene in related policies and issue public messages. It can also provide necessary resources to relevant departments.
Chief Medical Officer Kelly explained, "Monkeypox is less dangerous than COVID-19 and much less contagious," adding, "Symptoms are mild, and most cases resolve on their own within 2 to 4 weeks without special treatment." Currently, there are a total of 44 confirmed monkeypox cases in Australia, most of whom have returned from overseas.
According to the WHO, monkeypox has so far occurred in over 78 countries with more than 18,000 cases, and there have been 5 deaths, all reported in the African region.
Monkeypox, which was endemic to the African region, often presents with vesicular rash symptoms and may be accompanied by acute fever, headache, and muscle pain.
Since May, cases have started to appear outside Africa, and while the number of infections was about 3,000 by June, it has now increased sixfold, rapidly spreading mainly in the European region.
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