People living in Newark have remained unfazed despite a suspected case of monkeypox being identified in the area. The first believed case of the disease in Nottinghamshire was recorded in Newark and Sherwood this week, according to the Noids report released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The suspected monkeypox case is one of 17 recorded in the UK throughout the week. However, Newark residents had little concerns about the news.
John Cowan, 50, said: “I'm not [concerned] at the moment, I haven’t really heard anything. Not really, we have a good health service normally. I didn’t even know there was any here.”
Read more: First suspected monkeypox case recorded in Nottinghamshire
Factory supervisor, Jason Thacker, 45, of Newark, said: “I’m aware that’s been happening but I have no concerns as it’s not affected my family or anyone I know.” Business owner, Joe Wilson, 28, of Southwell, added: “I don’t even know what it is.”
Monkeypox is a rare infection that's mainly found in parts of west or central Africa. There have been some recent cases in the UK but, according to the NHS, the risk of catching it remains low. The NHS website states: "Anyone can get monkeypox. Currently, most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, so it's particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you're in these groups."
Symptoms include a high temperature, headaches, muscle aches, back ache, swollen glands, shivering and exhaustion. A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body.
Both the UKHSA and the public health team for Nottinghamshire County Council did not wish to comment.
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