Monkeypox is spreading through community transmission in the UK, with more cases being detected daily, a senior doctor has warned.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 20 cases of the disease in the UK, with nine other countries outside West and Central Africa also reporting outbreaks.
The disease, which was first discovered in monkeys, can be passed from person to person through close physical contact – including sexual intercourse – and is caused by the monkeypox virus.
Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s chief medical adviser, said updated figures for the weekend will be released on Monday as she warned of more cases “on a daily basis”.
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What is monkey pox?
Monkeypox cases are usually found in West Africa, and the virus does not often spread elsewhere.
That’s why reported outbreaks in Britain, Portugal, Spain and the United States have alarmed public health experts.
The disease, which was first discovered in monkeys, is usually mild but can lead to serious illness in some cases.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.
A rash may develop, often starting on the face, which then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals.
The rash may resemble chickenpox or syphilis, and scabs may form and then fall off.
The incubation period for monkeypox is usually six to 13 days, but can range from five to 21 days.
What happened in the UK?
Speaking to BBC One’s Morning Show, Dr Hopkins said: ‘We are detecting more cases every day and I would like to thank all those people who come in for tests at sexual health clinics, GPs and the wards. emergency room. ”
When asked if there was community transmission in the UK, she replied: “Absolutely, we are finding cases that have no identified contact with an individual from West Africa, which we have seen previously in this country.
A doctor has warned that cases of monkeypox are on the rise (PA)
“Community transmission is largely centered in urban areas and we see it primarily among individuals who identify as gay or bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.”
When asked why it is found in this demographic, she replied, “It is because of the frequent close contact they may have.
“We recommend anyone who regularly changes sexual partners or is in close contact with people they don’t know to come forward if they develop a rash.”
Monkeypox is not normally a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be transmitted through direct contact during sex.
It can also be spread by touching the clothes, bedding, or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash, and by coughing and sneezing from an infected person.
What does the UK Health Safety Agency say?
The virus is spread through close contact and the UKHSA advises people, particularly those who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, to be alert for any unusual rash or lesion on any part of their body. body.
Anyone concerned is advised to contact sexual health services and call ahead to make an appointment, or call 111.
The UKHSA said the virus does not generally spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population as a whole remains low.
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-23 09:03:35
