Monkeypox virus particles. Photo: AFP / Science Photo Library
A Te Whatu Ora manager says Monkeypox cases are likely to rise in the coming weeks, but the numbers aren't expected to get too high.
Nine new cases were reported yesterday, taking New Zealand's total for the outbreak to 20.
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand clinical manager William Ranger told Morning Report case numbers seemed to be starting to drop overseas.
He did not expect numbers in the country would get to very high numbers before they too started to come down.
"Looking at the overseas experience the numbers seem to be coming down overseas now so what we expect to happen In New Zealand in the coming weeks is that we'll probably have more cases, probably not very high numbers before it starts to come down."
He said sexually active gay men remained most at risk of contracting the virus.
"It doesn't spread very easily from person to person ... anyone could catch monkeypox but it is spread by very close physical contact and so currently we're seeing it among the community of men who have sex with men."
Symptoms include feeling generally unwell and changes in skin, such as rashes, blisters or sores.
"We really encourage people to be aware of these symptoms, particularly if they're in an at risk group, and seek help if they are worried."
Access to testing was free, he said.
The next step to control community spread of monkeypox would involve the rollout of anti-viral medication and vaccinations.
The Ministry of Health and Pharmac were working to secure these treatments and progress on this front was expected in the coming weeks, Ranger said.
