A returned overseas traveller to the NT has been diagnosed with monkeypox, NT Health said, with the person currently in isolation.

Health officials said while the transmission risk of monkeypox is currently low in the NT, “it’s important anyone with symptoms seek immediate medical advice”.

Initial symptoms of the viral disease include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and body aches.

The symptoms are usually followed by lesions that look like blisters that may appear on the genitals, face, inside the mouth, palms of the hand and soles of the feet.

“Most people do not require treatment for monkeypox and fully recover from the virus in a few weeks,” NT Health said in a statement.

“Avoiding close physical contact with infected people is the most effective way to prevent infection.”

NT Health did not explain how the person came to be in isolation. The said in the statement that the current case “presents no transmission risk to the community”.

Monkeypox is spread through close contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing and towels. The symptoms are similar to those seen previously with smallpox, the government said.

There are currently 41 cases confirmed in Australia to date, with the first case reported on May 20, 2022.

More info from the Australian Government on monkeypox can be found here.