Monkeypox has been an outbreak of concern for some months, but now the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared it a 'global health emergency'. The announcement came yesterday (July 23) as the outbreak has now spread to 70 countries across the globe.
In the UK, monkeypox was recorded in England on May 7, 2022. Scotland's first case was May 23, and Wales and Northern Ireland recorded their first cases on May 26.
What exactly is monkeypox and its symptoms? And what is the risk posed for the UK?
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What is monkeypox?
Closely related to smallpox, monkeypox cases are usually found in West and Central Africa. The virus does not often spread across countries - so the latest outbreak in 70 countries has alarmed public health experts.
The disease gets its name from monkeys, as it was first found in the primates. Usually mild, it can cause severe illness in some cases.
The symptoms are wide ranging. Most patients find fever, body aches, chills and fatigue.
However, some develop rashes and lesions on the face and hands, that can spread to the rest of the body. The rash looks similar to chickenpox, and scabs form, then fall off.
Monkeypox's incubation period is usually from six-thirteen days, but can range from five-21 days. Most recover within a few weeks.
Whereas Coronavirus is an airborne disease, monkeypox transmission is most likely through close physical contact. This can be through touching clothes, towels or bedding of someone with the disease, or touching skin, blisters or scabs.
Sexual intercourse is thought to bring a higher risk of contracting the disease, but it is not known to be sexually transmitted. A majority of the cases seen so far have been in gay and bisexual men.
What risk does monkeypox pose in the UK?
The current outbreak is said to be fatal in only one per cent of cases. After yesterday's (23 July) 'global health emergency' announcement, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said the risk remains as it was for the UK.
As of July 21, there were 2,208 confirmed cases across the UK. 2,115 of the UK's monkeypox cases are in England, and the UKHSA has said a high proportion of said cases are in London.
What does this mean for the UK public?
The UKHSA has updated its public health guidance to advise that close contacts do not need to isolate at home - if they don't have symptoms. Instead, close contacts are advised to call NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic if they develop any monkeypox symptoms, notably a fever, and to avoid skin-to-skin contact with others.
Across the globe, there are now more than 16,000 reported cases from over 70 countries. There have been five deaths and cases have risen from 3,040 in 47 countries around a month ago.
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