This document should be considered a live document and will be reviewed and updated regularly in response to:
- New legislation or statutory directions; OR
- Changes in advice based on emerging evidence or national guidelines; OR
- Learnings from outbreak management locally, in other jurisdictions and internationally
Be alert for monkeypox infection. Monkeypox cases have increased significantly internationally and have been reported interstate with a confirmed case first reported in WA on August 4 with contact tracing being conducted.
| Infectious Agent | Monkeypox virus is a poxvirus (Family Poxviridae, genus Orthopoxvirus; other members include variola and vaccinia viruses) |
| Mode of Transmission | Contact: Close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus, such as bedding. Human-to-human transmission can occur through:
Droplet/Airborne:
|
| Incubation period | 5 – 21 days (but usually 6 – 13 days). Rash appears 1 – 5 days after initial symptoms |
| Infectious period | From the onset of the prodrome until the vesicles have scabbed over and the scabs have fallen off |
| Signs and Symptoms | Signs and symptoms include:
Suspected cases are those with:
* Although the virus is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, transmission can occur through intimate physical contact during sex. In this case, it is likely that infectious skin rashes, blisters or sores are the mode of transmission. In the current outbreak, men who have sex with men have been disproportionately impacted while noting that Monkeypox can effect anyone and as such vigilance is required with all patient cohorts |
| Precautions required | Contact and Droplet/Airborne: PPE
Vehicle airflow Ensure vehicle airflow set per WIAMB22 Ambulance Airflow (Login required) |
| Cleaning required | See Vehicle Cleaning and Spills Management - after transporting a patient requiring transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet/airborne) |
| Waste management | Heavily soiled items should be disposed of as clinical waste |
| Linen management | Items should not be shaken or handled in a manner that may disperse any infectious particles into the environment. All clothing and linen should be bagged at the location of use and placed within an impermeable bag. Seek guidance from thehealthcare facility where the linen is being disposed |
| Shared transport | Patients who are symptomatic with suspected or confirmed Monkeypox must not share transport with other patients |
| Further resources |
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