Monkeypox: Another 71 cases found in UK

A FURTHER 71 cases of monkeypox have been detected in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

The latest cases, as of May 29, bring the total number confirmed in England since May 7 to 172.

There are four confirmed cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, taking the UK total to 179.

The figures come after UKHSA, as well as authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, issued joint guidance to stem the spread of the disease. The new

‘Be alert to any new rashes’

advice urges those with monkeypox to avoid close contact with others until their lesions have healed.

Those who have had close contact with someone with the disease should be risk assessed and may be told to isolate for 21 days where appropriate.

The guidance, updated yesterday, said people with suspected or confirmed monkeypox who need to travel in order to seek health care should avoid public transport where possible.

They should also abstain from sex from the first signs of symptoms and make sure to use condoms for eight weeks after infection.

The disease, first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact including sexual intercourse. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, usually found in west and central Africa. Most people recover within a few weeks.

UKHSA said that while the risk to the population remains low, people should be alert to any new rashes or lesions on any part of their body.

Although this advice applies to everyone, the agency said the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay or bisexual.

It is asking those people in particular to be aware of the symptoms and call NHS 11 if they have a blistering rash, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.