UK monkeypox cases reach 366 as further 43 detected

A FURTHER 43 monkeypox cases have been detected in the UK - bringing the total to 366 infections.

The majority of those struck down with the bug are in England, with 348 people having caught it.

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There are 12 cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and four in Wales.

Medics in the UK yesterday said that anyone who has the bug should stay away from their loved ones.

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.

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It is particularly important, they said, that infected persons stay away from any pregnant members of the household, young children and those who are immunosuppressed.

This is because anyone in the above groups could be at risk of serious illness.

Other guidance states that you should keep laundry separate from other households and avoid close contacts with pets.

The update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed over 1,000 cases have been detected globally.

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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.

"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."

Anyone can get monkeypox - particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms.

People who are gay or bisexual and men who have sex with men remain disproportionately affected.

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 3 weeks.

The same applies if you have been to West or Central African in the past three weeks.

Doctors have urged people to visit a sexual health clinic if you have a rash or blisters.

Earlier this week it was announced that doctors will now have to inform local councils and health protection agencies if cases are detected.

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It means that monkeypox will be designated a notifiable disease under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010.

Other illnesses that also fall under this legislation include Covid-19, the Plague, acute meningitis, measles and smallpox.