Health emergency: Deadly Mpox strain Clade 1 hits Australia, only the 2nd case ever

A rare and more dangerous strain of the Mpox virus, known as Clade 1, has been confirmed in Queensland, marking the first-ever case in the state and only the second known detection of this strain in Australia’s history.

Queensland Health officials say the individual had recently returned from overseas and was diagnosed while seeking care at Logan Hospital in the state’s Metro South region. Contact tracing is currently underway, and public health teams are working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.

“Clade 1 is notorious for causing a more widespread rash, big blisters or pox-like lesions, typically all over the body,” said Dr. Paul Griffin, infectious diseases expert.

“And because it is more severe, they can have other symptoms like high fevers.”

The virus, previously known as monkeypox, spreads primarily through close, prolonged, or intimate contact, including skin-to-skin contact or exposure to bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials like clothing or bedding.

The patient is in isolation, and authorities say there is no current threat to the broader community.

Rare but serious threat

Mpox Clade 1 is far more severe than Clade 2, the milder strain that caused most of Australia’s 2022 outbreak. Clade 1 has been associated with higher rates of complications, including secondary infections and in rare cases, death.

The first Australian case of Clade 1 was reported in New South Wales in May 2025, also in a traveler returning from Africa. Clade 1 is more common in Central Africa and has been spreading more widely in the past year, prompting increased surveillance globally.

FAQs

What is MPox?

Mpox is a viral infection similar to smallpox, but typically milder. It causes fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic blistering rash.

What makes Clade 1 different?

Clade 1 is a more dangerous strain. It causes larger, widespread blisters, more severe fever, and sometimes serious complications. It has a higher mortality rate than Clade 2, particularly in countries with limited healthcare access.

How does Mpox spread?

Mpox spreads through:

• Close or intimate contact (skin-to-skin, kissing, sex)
  
• Contact with lesions or scabs
  
• Respiratory droplets in close, prolonged face-to-face interaction
  
• Contaminated clothing, bedding, or surfaces
  

Who is at risk?

While anyone can contract Mpox, the risk is higher for:

• People with multiple intimate partners
  
• Travelers returning from endemic areas
  
• Close contacts of confirmed cases
  
• Healthcare and frontline workers
  

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. Australia offers free MPox vaccines to high-risk individuals. Two doses are recommended for full protection. Contact your local sexual health clinic or GP to book.