Nine cases of Monkeypox have been detected in the UK already this month, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The first UK case, which was confirmed on May 7, was believed to have been contracted in Nigeria. The virus, which comes from the same 'family' as the smallpox, is usually associated with travel to West Africa. But the latest two cases have no travel history, so it is thought they were caught locally 'through community transmission.'
Elsewhere in Europe, Portugal and Spain have reported a number of suspected infections, which can causes a rash accompanied by blisters among other symptoms. On Wednesday (18 May) the United States became the latest nation to confirm a case of the rare virus, contracted by a man who had travelled to Canada.
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The UKHSA reports that Monkeypox 'does not usually spread easily between people' and the risk to the UK population remains low. Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser, said the UKHSA has 'worked quickly' to identify cases and continues 'to rapidly investigate the source of these infections and raise awareness among healthcare professionals.'
But what are the symptoms of Monkeypox and how does it actually spread?
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?
The NHS says it usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms of Monkeypox to appear. These include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- a rash - usually appearing within five days after the first symptoms, beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body
The NHS warned that the rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. They eventually scab and fall off.
How does Monkeypox spread?
The UKHSA reassures that the virus doesn't easily spread between humans. But the recent UK outbreak has been found predominantly in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. Monkeypox 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. The NHS reports that Monkeypox can also be caught from infected wild animals in parts of west and central Africa.
It's thought to be spread by rodents, such as rats, mice and squirrels. You could catch it from an infected animal if you're bitten or touch its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs. It could also be contracted by eating meat from an infected animal that has not been cooked thoroughly, or by touching other products from infected animals, such as animal skin or fur.
