The Northern Territory records first case of monkeypox in returned traveller

The Northern Territory has recorded its first case of monkeypox, according to NT Health. Key points: NT Health says the health risk to the public is low Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness that causes a skin rash Most people fully recover in a few weeks In a statement, NT Health said the confirmed case was detected in a returned overseas traveller who was currently in isolation in the Top End region. Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral illness spread person-to-person through close contact. While the transmission risk of monkeypox in the NT is currently low, NT Health has urged anyone with symptoms to seek immediate medical advice. University of Queensland infectious diseases expert Dr Paul Griffin said Territorians needed to be alert but not alarmed by the latest case, with the virus only spreading by people “coming into direct contact with infected fluid”.