A third case of Monkeypox has been confirmed in New Zealand this afternoon.

Monkeypox virus particles, illustration. Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus from the Poxviridae family that causes monkeypox, a pox-like disease. At the centre of the monkeypox virus is a core nucleoprotein that contains the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) genome. This is surrounded by an outer envelope that is covered with surface tubules. This virus, which is found near rainforests in Central and West Africa causes disease in humans and monkeys, although its natural hosts are rodents. It is capable of human to human transmission. In humans it causes fever, swollen glands and a rash of fluid-filled blisters.File image. Photo: NOBEASTSOFIERCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LI

 

The Ministry of Health said the infected person had recently arrived from overseas and was currently isolating in the South Island.

There is no evidence of community transmission from this case.

“A test has returned a positive result and ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research) is currently validating that result. This process is expected to be completed tomorrow afternoon.”

The ministry said to protect the privacy of the person and their contacts no further statements would be made at this stage.

The Monkeypox outbreak has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is the highest alert that the WHO can issue.

More than 16,000 cases of Monkeypox have now been reported from 75 countries.

New Zealand’s first case of Monkeypox was reported early in July.

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