Monkeypox cases are still rising in the UK – with another 46 infections announced
today.
It brings the total to 574, with Brits being urged to look out for any new rashes or
blisters.
There are currently 550 confirmed cases in England, 16 in Scotland, 2 in Northern
Ireland and 6 in Wales.
In recent weeks around 1,600 cases have been detected globally – something experts
say is ‘concerning’.
In the US, 100 cases have been confirmed, with New York and California being the
worst hit places.
Anyone can get the illness – more so if you have been in contact or had sexual contact
with a person who has symptoms.
A report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) last week revealed that most
cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.
Read Also:Monkeypox can be transmitted through sex – NCDC
Dr William Welfare, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “As case numbers of
monkeypox continue to rise and with many summer events and festivals ahead, we’re
reminding people to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve
recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and
protect others.
“If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to
events, meet with friends or have sexual contact.
“Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.
“Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until
you’ve been seen by a clinician.”
He added that the UKHSA is working closely with partners across the country,
including event organisers and venues, to raise public awareness of monkeypox
symptoms so everyone has a safe, happy and healthy summer.
Earlier this week it was revealed that the World Health Organization (WHO) is
currently looking into reports that the virus is present in the semen of patients.
In recent days, scientists say they have detected viral DNA in the semen of a handful
of monkeypox patients in Italy and Germany.
Catherine Smallwood, monkeypox incident manager at WHO/Europe, said it was not
known whether recent reports meant the monkeypox virus could be sexually
transmitted.
She said: “This may have been something that we were unaware of in this disease
before.
“We really need to focus on the most frequent mode of transmission and we clearly
see that to be associated with skin-to-skin contact.”
Medics say you should contact a sexual health clinic if you have rashes or blisters and
if you have been in contact with someone who has had monkeypox in the last three
weeks.
This guidance also applies to those who have been to West or Central Africa in the
past three weeks.
However, the WHO are also set to rename the virus – in a move which could see the
illness called hMPXV.
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