Two more monkeypox cases uncovered, reinforcing fears of community transmission

MONKEYPOX could be spreading in communities, public health officials fear, as two further people were diagnosed with the virus with no links to previous cases.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had detected two additional cases of monkeypox, one in London and one in the South East of England. The latest cases brings the total number of monkeypox diagnoses in England to nine with recent cases predominantly in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

The two latest cases have no travel links to a country where monkeypox is endemic, so it is possible they acquired the infection through community transmission, the UKHSA said.

Doctors have been asked to look out for individuals with rashes that do not have a clear alternative diagnosis.

Canada last night reported 13 suspected cases of monkeypox, all in Montreal, while the US confirmed its first infection – a man from Massachusetts who had recently travelled to Canada.

Spain and Portugal have more than 40 suspected cases between them, with 20 in Lisbon and 23 in Madrid.

Elena Andradas, head of public health in Madrid, told Cadena Ser radio: “All of the cases are young adult males and most of them have sexual relations with other men, but not all of them.”

Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UKHSA, said: “These latest cases, together with reports of cases in countries across Europe, confirm our initial concerns that there could be spread of monkeypox within our communities... We are particularly urging men who are gay and bisexual to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health service without delay if they have concerns.”

Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It does not usually spread easily between people and experts said the risk to the UK population remains low.

The virus has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.

It can also be passed on through other close contact with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by an infected person.

Prof Kevin Fenton, London’s public health director, told the BBC attempts are being made to raise awareness in the capital and he urged those who could be at risk to “get checked out”.