The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that 16 more cases of the monkeypox virus have been detected in England.
It brings the total cases in the UK to 106 since new cases were first identified on May 7. So far, there have been three confirmed cases in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
Health officials are urging people experiencing unusual rashes or lesions, particularly if they have had a new sexual partner, to limit their contact with others and get in touch with NHS 111 or their local sexual health clinic. While cases are rising across the UK, the UKHSA affirms that the risk to the population "remains low" as the virus does not spread easily.
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Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief medical adviser, 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.
“We are asking people to look out for new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body. If anyone suspects they might have these, 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.”
Meanwhile, the UKGSA has been tracing contacts of people confirmed to have the virus and is advising those at the highest risk to isolate themselves at home for up to 21 days. While there is no specific vaccine for monkeypox, a smallpox vaccine is being ordered to close contacts to reduce their risk of symptoms and severe illness.
Infected people are also being advised to avoid contact with pets for 21 days, especially rodents such as gerbils and hamsters as they are susceptible to the disease. In fact, the UKHSA advises monkeypox patients to remove pet rodents from their households for the time period they have tested for the virus.
The first cases of monkeypox in Wales and Northern Ireland were recorded on Thursday, while Scotland confirmed a further two cases. Almost 200 cases have been reported in over 20 countries not usually known to have outbreaks of the virus, according to the World Health Organisation.
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