Health officials have revealed two new cases of monkeypox have been diagnosed in the UK. This brings the total in the outbreak to nine so far.
The UK Health Security Agency said that one case was reported in London while another was found in south-east England. The outbreak has so far seen nine infections detected and health officials said that it was possible the latest examples had caught it in the UK as they had not travelled overseas to countries where monkeypox is endemic.
The disease which includes nasty skin scab symptoms was first discovered in the UK on May 6 and the UKHSA said recent cases self-identify as gay or bisexual. The two new cases have no links to the previous six, the agency said.
Read more: What is monkeypox and what are the main symptoms?
Monkeypox can be passed on by direct contact though sex, but is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection. The UKHSA is advising gay, bisexual and MSM men to check for any usual rashes or lesions on their bodies, particularly their genitals, and to contact a sexual health service if they are concerned.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said: “These latest cases, together with reports of cases in countries across Europe, confirms our initial concerns that there could be spread of monkeypox within our communities.
“UKHSA has quickly identified cases so far and we continue to rapidly investigate the source of these infections and raise awareness among healthcare professionals.
“We are particularly urging men who are gay and bisexual to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health service without delay if they have concerns. Please contact clinics ahead of your visit.
“We are contacting any identified close contacts of the cases to provide health information and advice.”
Officials have also said that monkeypox normally only has mild symptoms and doesn’t spread very easily - so the chances of a serious outbreak are low.
Anyone with concerns that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic, although they are urged to notify the clinic before attending.
The rash, which can develop as part of the virus, changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.
The health agency also said that initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
The first case was a person who had recently travelled to Nigeria, which is where they were believed to have contracted the infection, before travelling to the UK.
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