UK’s total monkeypox cases reach 78 as a further 7 infections detected
A FURTHER seven people have tested positive for monkeypox in the UK, fresh data has revealed.
Anyone with unusual rashes or legions on their body has been urged to contact 111 or visit their local sexual health service.
Monkeypox is a mild illness which gets better with time, in very rare cases it can lead to death.
It's most prevalent in parts of west or central Africa, but cases have now been detected globally.
Initial symptoms are usually "non-specific" and are like a viral illness, medics say.
A chickenpox-type rash later spreads across parts of the body.
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The rash usually affects the face, hands and arms, but can spread to genital areas.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said: “We are continuing to promptly detect new monkeypox cases through our extensive surveillance network and NHS services.
“If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible – though please phone ahead before attending in person.”
On Monday, medics in Scotland confirmed one case in the country, but there have still been no infections identified in Wales or Northern Ireland.
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The UKHSA has stressed that the risk of monkeypox still remains low at a population level.
Protections teams have said that anyone who has been risk assessed and remains well, should isolate at home for 21 days.
In order to protect the community, the UKHSA has stockpiled smallpox vaccines.
At present those who have been in contact with identified cases are being given the jab.
Health authorities in Europe, North America, Israel and Australia have identified more than 100 cases of monkeypox in recent days.
The outbreak is unusual because it is affecting countries where monkeypox is not endemic.
It is only endemic in parts of Africa, where there are some 9,000 cases per year, and humans are typically infected by animals.
The signs of monkeypox you need to know
The NHS says the first signs of the illness are:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering (chills)
- Exhaustion
Medics said that a rash usually appears one to five days after the symptoms.
Health officials are still investigating, but a top adviser to the WHO said this week that the leading theory is that monkeypox was likely spread after sexual activity at two recent raves in Europe.
Most cases have been in men who have sex with men, including those who are gay and bisexual.
However, experts have stressed the importance of avoiding a "gay disease" label, which could lead to stigma, and therefore further spread.
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It may just be unlucky that monkeypox happened to get into this one particular community first, said Dr Jake Dunning, an infectious diseases researcher at the University of Oxford.
It's just that they are a community and by having sex with each other, that is how it's spreading, he said.
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