The Ministry of Health is reporting two new confirmed cases of monkeypox.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson said on Thursday the two new cases have been transmitted within Aotearoa's community, as opposed to previous cases where the individuals were infected overseas.
MoH said there is no confirmed link between the two cases and no identified link to a known overseas acquired case. MoH warns there is potential for more cases to emerge.
"This is not unexpected and the number is likely to remain low."
The two confirmed cases are isolating in Auckland. MoH said public health staff are following contact tracing procedures in assessing any risk of further transmission.
The spokesperson added the risk to wider New Zealand remains "low".
Nine cases were reported on September 28 and these two latest confirmed cases bring Aotearoa's total monkeypox cases so far to 11.
Epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker told Newshub "it's an important milestone" for monkeypox in Aotearoa.
"It shifts it from an entirely imported disease. You could now say there is endemic transmission in New Zealand."
Prof Baker added there will be unknown cases amongst the community that would likely link the two cases.
"It doesn't mean there will be many cases in the community or a lot, but it is more open-ended, it raises the concern level."
He added countries that see imported cases eventually see community transmission. He said the two new cases were "expected".
Monkeypox is mostly seen in men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who have sex with MSM.
"There is a higher risk for those communities."
MoH urges people with concerns about their health in relation to monkeypox to contact their GP, nearest sexual health clinic or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
MoH said if you experience skin changes or develop lesions or a rash then it's important to seek medical advice, even if you haven't travelled overseas recently.
"It may not be monkeypox, as many illnesses can cause similar symptoms, but it’s still important to get it checked."
Prof Baker told Newshub monkeypox cases globally peaked on August 12 and have since been tracking down over the past two months.
"We're seeing a consistent decline."
