East Midlands health officials have issued a statement as monkeypox cases increase in the UK. The monkeypox virus, which can be spread by close contact and possibly sexual transmission, can cause a rash to develop on the face and then spread to other parts of the body – most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The latest reported number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK was 71, as of May 23. There has been growing concern about rising cases of the disease which has spread to multiple countries.
A spokesperson for The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there were currently no confirmed cases of monkeypox in the East Midlands. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, 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.
Read more: WHO expert speaks out on likely cause of Monkeypox outbreak in Europe
"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."
Monkeypox is mostly a mild, self-limiting disease lasting two-to-three weeks. However, in some rare cases, it can cause death.
According to the WHO, the fatality rate “in recent times” has been around 3 per cent to 6 per cent. The west African monkeypox virus is considered to be milder than the central African one.
The virus tends to cause more serious disease in people who are immunocompromised – such as those undergoing chemotherapy – and children. There have been no deaths from monkeypox in the current worldwide outbreak, but, according to the Daily Telegraph, one child in the UK is in intensive care with the disease.
The Government has stocks of the smallpox vaccine, which is being offered to very close contacts of those affected. Those at the highest risk of contracting the disease are being asked to self-isolate at home for 21 days, with others warned to be on the lookout for symptoms.
