GPs are being advised to wear PPE, including gowns and N95 masks, if a patient presents with suspected monkeypox infection, as transmission can potentially occur via respiratory droplets.

Last night, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd hosted a webinar detailing likely presentations, advice on testing, and evolving guidance on treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis, noting GPs would be at the front line of the public health response.

So far, two Australian cases have been identified by GPs: a Sydney man returning from travel to Europe and a Melbourne man returning from the UK.

“As a GP, it goes without saying that I’m very proud the first two diagnoses in Australia were made by my GP colleagues,” the former RACGP president said.