The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected another 14 cases of the monkeypox virus in England.
It brings the total UK number of cases to 71 with 70 cases recorded in England and only one case recorded in Scotland. As of May 23, no cases have been identified in Wales or Northern Ireland, the UKHSA added.
Health officials stressed the risk to the UK population “remains low” but it urged anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body to contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service.
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Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UKHSA, said: “We are continuing to promptly identify further monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
“If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, 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.”
Cases of monkeypox have been reported in 14 countries, according to epidemiologists at Harvard University who are tracking the spread, including 40 cases in Spain and 23 in Portugal. The first case identified in the UK was in a person who had returned from Nigeria, but other cases are unrelated to travel.
Downing Street said there are no plans to hold a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee over monkeypox, or to impose any travel bans. Asked about travel restrictions from affected countries, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “No, no considerations of that kind. What we’re seeing at the moment is community transmission not linked to travel.”
UKHSA teams have been tracing high-risk contacts of those with a confirmed case and are advising contacts to isolate for 21 days. It is also offering a smallpox vaccine to close contacts to reduce their risk of symptoms and severe illness.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include:
- fever
- headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- exhaustion
A rash can also develop, usually starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals. The rash can go through a variety of stages, sometimes looking like chickenpox or syphilis, before forming into a scab which later falls off.
The infection can also be spread through close contact with someone or through clothing and bedsheets used by a person who has monkeypox.
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