The man in his 40s is in isolation after travelling interstate and the Department of Health has begun contact tracing a small number of people.

Anyone with symptoms is being urged to seek urgent medical care.

Monkeypox became a notifiable condition in Victoria on Friday, meaning doctors, hospitals and laboratories must report suspected cases to health authorities.

There has been an international outbreak of the disease - which is rare outside Africa - in recent weeks.

Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.

Monkeypox is endemic in Central and West Africa and has also been identified in parts of Europe.

It is usually spread through contact with animals or consumption of wild game.

Person-to-person transmission occurs with very close contact, including during intimate activity.

It can also spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces such as clothing, towels or furniture.

Incubation usually varies from seven to 14 days from exposure.

Children unvaccinated against smallpox are said to be at higher risk of disease and death, along with pregnant women and immunocompromised people, according to the World Health Organisation.

For more information, contact The Department of Health on 1300 651 160

Australian Associated Press