Over 1,000 monkeypox cases confirmed globally as WHO warns ‘the risk is real’
OVER 1,000 monkeypox cases have now been detected globally and experts have warned the risk of infection is very real.
It comes as Brits have been warned to stay away from their loved ones if they become infected under new rules.
So far, 321 cases of the illness have been detected in the UK, after another 18 were announced on Wednesday.
Now the World Health Organization (WHO), has said the risk of the bug becoming non-endemic in some countries is starting to materialise.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the rise in cases was clearly concerning.
Speaking at a press conference he said: "The risk of monkeypox becoming established in non-endemic countries is real.
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"More than 1,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox have now been reported to WHO from 29 countries that are not endemic for the disease.
"So far, no deaths have been reported in these countries. Cases have been reported mainly, but not only, among men who have sex with men.
"Some countries are now beginning to report cases of apparent community transmission, including some cases in women.";
Medics as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said anyone can get monkeypox - particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms.
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People who are gay or bisexual and men who have sex with men remain disproportionately affected.
Dr Tedros added that the WHO is particularly concerned about the risk the virus poses to vulnerable groups, including children and pregnant women.
The WHO is set to issue further guidance in the coming days on infection control.
In the UK, chiefs have already taken measures to curb the spread - with medics urging anyone with symptoms to visit a sexual health clinic.
As cases of the bug continue to rise - Brits now have to stay one metre apart from those who are infected.
Where possible, experts have urged people to sleep in separate rooms and use separate bathrooms.
If this isn't possible, cases should avoid physical contact and keep at least three steps or one metre away from all household members.
The signs of monkeypox you need to know
Experts at the UK Health Security Agency have said all Brits should be on the look out for key signs and symptoms.
The signs may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Chills
- Exhaustion
- Night sweats
- Cold-like symptoms, such as congestion and runny nose
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swollen groin
- Rash
Medics said that complications of the illness were documented as:
- low mood
- severe pain
- conjunctivitis
Other guidance states that you should keep laundry separate from other households and avoid close contacts with pets.
Anyone can get monkeypox - particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms.
Before mixing once more after infection, cases must:
- check they haven't had a high temperature for 72 hours
- make sure any lesions have scabbed over
- check scabs on the arms, face and hands have fallen off and a fresh layer of skin has formed
- make sure no new lesions have formed in 48 hours
- check for lesions in the mouth.
You should also get checked if you have been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past three weeks.
The same applies if you have been to West or Central African in the past three weeks.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA said: “Self-isolation is an important measure for protecting others from Monkeypox.
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“Staying at home and doing all we can to avoid close contact with other people in the household will prevent the spread of this virus.
“We know that self-isolation is not easy for some so it’s important that people ask for support if needed.”
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