More than 1,200 cases of monkeypox have been reported across the UK as the outbreak continues to grow. While the majority of suspected cases so far have been identified in London, there is a contingent of cases being reported by GPs and patients in the North West - and a handful of suspected cases in Greater Manchester.
Of the total confirmed cases of 1,185 in England, 44 were based in the North West as of June 30, the latest information published. That’s a rise of 10 on the previous data report, which was produced on June 26.
The Manchester Evening News held a question and answer session with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) chiefs - the body in charge of directing the monkeypox incident, handling the outbreak, and monitoring its spread. The UKHSA answered the most common questions being asked by readers, and shared some vital information for those worried about the disease.
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What is the cause of monkeypox?
"Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with Monkeypox virus," explained the UKHSA. "It is not common to get monkeypox from a person with the infection because it does not spread easily between people.
"But it can be spread through:
- touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox
- rash
- touching monkeypox skin lesions or scabs, particularly if your own skin has sores or cuts
- the coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash
"Monkeypox can 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 can also catch Monkeypox from an infected animal if you are bitten or you touch its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs. It may also be possible to catch Monkeypox 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)."
Where does monkeypox come from? When was this current outbreak first identified globally and when was monkeypox first identified in the UK?
"On May 14, UKHSA confirmed two cases of Monkeypox who had no known links to countries where Monkeypox is endemic. Up until this point, we had seen very few cases in the UK, and all had been linked to travel to Africa.
"Since 14 May, we have seen an increase in cases with no travel links. Anyone can get monkeypox, but the majority of cases to date have been in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men."
For those who have been concerned about its spread, what can you tell us about the speed of the spread of monkeypox?
The UKHSA answered: "Monkeypox does not spread easily between people. However, we are seeing a steady increase in cases."
How confident are scientists that monkeypox can be contained? How can people help to prevent the spread?
"We are continuing to work promptly to identify further Monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services and thanks to the people coming forward with symptoms," said the agency. "This is complemented by a major communications campaign to increase awareness of Monkeypox, the symptoms and what people can do to reduce the risk.
"Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, should immediately contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service. People should notify clinics ahead of their visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a clinician.
"People can be assured their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially. Monkeypox does not usually spread easily between people and can only be spread from person to person through direct contact or contact with clothing or linens used by an infected person.
"As a precaution, we are monitoring close contacts of the cases to provide advice and monitor their health.
"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 a person who has Monkeypox.
"It is important that the population as a whole are aware of the symptoms and risks involved."
What are the treatments available for monkeypox? What should people do if they suspect they have the disease?
"The illness is usually mild and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment," said the health bosses at the UKHSA. "High quality medical and nursing supportive care will be provided to individuals to manage symptoms.
"There isn’t a specific vaccine for Monkeypox, but vaccinia (smallpox) vaccine does offer some protection. Some individuals with higher level of exposures are being offered this smallpox vaccine.
"Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, should immediately contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service. People should notify clinics ahead of their visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a clinician.
"People can be assured their call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially."
Can Monkeypox be cured? Will we see a steadying out of case numbers or is the UKHSA expecting a spike?
"The illness is usually mild and most of those infected will recover within a few weeks without treatment. This is a rare and unusual situation.
"UKHSA is rapidly investigating these infections because the evidence suggests that there may be transmission of the Monkeypox virus in the community, spread by close contact.
"Monkeypox remains rare in the UK and the risk to the public remains low. UKHSA and the NHS have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with cases of imported infectious disease and these will be strictly followed."
Dr Merav Kliner, the UKHSA's Interim Regional Deputy Director for the North West, and Consultant in Health Protection for Greater Manchester said: “We are continuing to promptly identify further Monkeypox cases across the North West 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.
“It was announced this week that UKHSA is recommending that some gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure to monkeypox should be offered vaccines to help control the recent outbreak of the virus. This is because we are continuing to see a notable proportion of cases in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. By expanding the vaccine offer to those at higher risk, we hope to break chains of transmission and help contain the outbreak.
“Although most cases are mild, severe illness can occur in some people, so it is important we use the available vaccine to target groups where spread is ongoing. The NHS will soon set out details on how this will be delivered – so do not come forward for the vaccine yet.”
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