Monkeypox: Eleven more cases detected in England, taking UK total to 190
According to the UK Health Security Agency, the risk of monkeypox remains low for the general public but anyone displaying symptoms should limit contact with others and contact NHS 111.
Tuesday 31 May 2022 19:26, UK
A further 11 cases of monkeypox have been detected in England, health officials have said.
It brings the total number confirmed since 7 May to 183.
There are also four cases of the virus in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, taking the UK total to 190, while the first case was reported in Ireland last Saturday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the risk to the general population "remains low" because the virus, which is transmitted through close physical contact, does not spread easily.
It can live on surfaces such as bedsheets or towels, however.
People are advised to look out for rashes that are unusual to them or an ulceration.
Dr Ruth Milton, senior medical adviser at UKHSA, said: "The risk to the general public from monkeypox is still low, but it's important that we work to limit the virus being passed on. We remind people that they should be alert to new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body.
"If anyone suspects they might have these, 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.
"UKHSA health protection teams are contacting people considered to be high-risk contacts of confirmed cases and are advising those who have been risk assessed and remain well to isolate at home for up to 21 days."
The agency has bought more than 20,000 doses of a smallpox vaccine and this is being offered to close contacts of those diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness.
WHO is not concerned about another pandemic
More than 20 countries where monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks of the viral disease, with over 300 confirmed or suspected infections mostly in Europe.
The WHO's monkeypox expert said she does not expect the spread to turn into another pandemic but notes that there are still unknowns about the disease.
Dr Rosamund Lewis emphasised that the majority of cases being reported globally are among men who are gay or bisexual and men who have sex with men.
"It's very important to describe this because it appears to be an increase in a mode of transmission that may have been under-recognised in the past," she said.
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"At the moment, we are not concerned about a global pandemic," she went on.
"We are concerned that individuals may acquire this infection through high-risk exposure if they don't have the information they need to protect themselves."
Dr Lewis added that it would be "unfortunate" if monkeypox was able to "exploit the immunity gap" left by smallpox 40 years ago, saying there is still a window to close the outbreak.
Read more:
People with symptoms should not have sex
Gay and bisexual men express fears about rise in cases
What do we know about the UK's biggest-ever outbreak of the virus?
How do you catch it, what are the symptoms, and how easily does it spread?