UK detects 50 more cases of monkeypox as epidemic continues to grow

Another 50 cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the UK.

Health chiefs said 46 of the new infections occurred in England, three in Scotland and one in Wales.

The UK has recorded 574 cases in the last six weeks, mostly among gay and bisexual men. The largest outbreak to date outside of Africa.

Authorities are desperate to contain the tropical virus, fearing it will become endemic to Europe.

Dozens of countries have been affected by the current outbreak, including the United States, Spain, and Portugal. No deaths have yet been confirmed.

Authorities have warned people to be on the lookout for symptoms, including spies or blistering, especially before summer festivals and events.

Dr. William Welfare, event manager at UKHSA, said: “As the number of monkeypox cases continues to rise and with many summer events and festivals on the way, we are reminding people to be aware of monkeypox symptoms.

‘Especially if you have recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to prevent further spread and to protect others.

“If you have a rash along with a rash or other symptoms of monkeypox, don’t participate in activities, meet friends, or have sexual contact.”

“Instead, stay home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic prior to your visit and avoid close contact with others until you can be seen by a doctor.

UKHSA leaders are working to raise monkeypox awareness “so everyone can have a safe, happy and healthy summer”.

As part of efforts to combat the outbreak, all confirmed cases and their close contacts will be offered the Imvanex vaccine, which is believed to be approximately 85% effective in stopping infections.

The strategy known as ring vaccination has been used in the past and has been shown to work.

Authorities have yet to expand the vaccine strategy, but leading scientists have suggested the next step could be a targeted launch for gay and bisexual men.

People who test positive are advised to self-isolate for 21 days, depending on how long it may take for symptoms to disappear.

They can leave the insulation prematurely when their shells dry out and fall off.

Patients are advised to wear condoms for eight weeks after infection.

UKHSA advises Brits to contact their sexual health clinic if they have a rash and have had close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of monkeypox or have been to West or Central Africa in the past three weeks.

Authorities said they linked the outbreak to “the use of gay bars, saunas and dating apps in the UK and overseas”.

Monkeypox is not normally a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be transmitted through direct contact during sexual intercourse.

It can also be spread by touching contaminated clothing, bedding or towels.

Smallpox-like illness is usually mild but kills up to 10% of patients.

Current outbreaks are caused by the least severe strains detected, and the death rate is close to one in 100, similar to when Covid first struck.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and fatigue.

You may develop a rash that usually starts on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the genitals.

It was announced this week that World Health Organization leaders should rename the virus that causes the rash.

It followed calls by a coalition of scientists for a new term “non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing.”

Besides renaming the virus itself, the strains will likely be flagged to remove any mention of Africa’s first sightings.

WHO will also hold an emergency meeting next week to determine whether the global pandemic should be classified as a public health emergency of international importance.

Only six PHEICs have been announced in the past, the latest being Covid.