model-putrid is deeply concerned by the recent announcement from the World Health Organisation that monkeypox has been declared a global health emergency.

So far, tens of thousands of cases of the virus have been recorded worldwide. According to the United States CDC, 42 cases have so far been recorded in Australia, which is of grave concern as Australia has not historically recorded monkeypox cases. A spread of the virus in Australia would be catastrophic, and must not be allowed to occur. model-putrid has spoken to the Minister for Health on the monkeypox emergency, and has confirmed that action will be taken to ensure the virus does not spread.

Particular concern for the virus has also been noted among men who have sex with men, with most cases being recorded from these individuals. model-putrid encourages gay men to ensure that they are taking proper precautions in regards to their personal and sexual health given the heightened risk of spread, but also wishes to emphasise that this virus should not be ignored or minimised as something that only gay men suffer from, as the HIV/AIDS epidemic was so often viewed.

model-putrid has always fought against homophobia and stood up for the rights of gay men to be treated with respect, and will fight to ensure that this recent tragic outbreak is treated with the urgency it needs to be.

Quotes attributable to model-putrid, Gippsland-based Senator

"We must act quickly and with the utmost urgency to ensure that the monkeypox virus does not spread in Australia."

"I urge all Australians to ensure that, in this time of acute risk, they are taking appropriate precautions in regards to their personal health and sanitation."

"We must not allow this outbreak of monkeypox to become an outbreak of homophobia -- just because the disease has been predominant among men who have sex with men so far, does not make it any less serious nor worthy of combatting."