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EKO HOT BLOG reports that two more cases of monkeypox have been identified in the UK – bringing the total to nine, according to the UK Health Security Agency (HSA).
One case was reported in London while another was found in south-east England.
Experts said it is possible the new cases were caused by community transmission because the individuals affected have no travel links to a country where monkeypox is endemic.
The latest ones do not have known links with previous confirmed cases announced on 7, 14 and 16 May.
The HSA said the virus does not usually spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population remains low.
Recent cases are predominantly in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men (MSM).
People in these groups are being advised to look out for any usual rashes or lesions on their bodies, particularly their genitals, and to contact a sexual health service if they are concerned.
Monkeypox can be passed on by direct contact though sex, but is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection.
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.’
The virus has also been detected in Spain and Portugal, who have identified eight and 15 new cases respectively.
The US also confirmed its first case in Massachusetts.
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.
FURTHER READING:
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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