International

UK Detects 4 New Cases Of Monkeypox Infection As Virus Spread Rapidly

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2022.

Benard Joseph

UK Detects 4 New Cases Of Monkeypox Infection As Virus Spread Rapidly.
All of the new cases self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who havee sex with men, the Health Security Agency (HSA) said.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that four more people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK, bringing the total number to seven.

All of the new cases self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who havee sex with men, the Health Security Agency (HSA) said.

They were thought to be infected in London and have no apparent travel links to Africa, where the virus is endemic.

Investigations are now underway to establish any links between the new cases and how exactly they were infected.

The four new cases are not connected to the previous two cases announced on 14 May and the case announced on May 7.

However, two of the new cases are known to each other.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser of UKHSA, said:

‘This is rare and unusual.
‘UKHSA is rapidly investigating the source of these infections because the evidence suggests that there may be transmission of the monkeypox virus in the community, spread by close contact.

‘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.

‘We are contacting any potential close contacts of the cases to provide health information and advice.’

Three of the new cases are in London and one linked case is in the North East of England.

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection similar to human smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980.

Although monkeypox is much milder than smallpox, with most infected people recovering within a few weeks, it can in rare cases be fatal.

Monkeypox is often mistaken for more common rash illnesses like chickenpox, measles, scabies and syphilis, which makes it difficult to diagnose early.

All seven UK cases have tested positive for the West African strain of the virus, which is believed to be milder than the other version

HSA said those patients needing medical care are all in specialist infectious disease units at the Royal Free Hosptial, Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle upon Tyne and Guys’ and St Thomas.

Exactly how the new patients acquired the infection ‘remains under urgent investigation’, the HSA said.

Officials said the virus does not spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population is low.

However, the most recent cases are in gay and bisexual men.

The health body is therefore asking these groups ‘to be alert’ to possible symptoms, which include rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns.

The latest cases mean that there are currently seven confirmed monkeypox cases in the UK, diagnosed between 6th and 15th May.

The first case was connected to travel to Nigeria but none of the other cases appear to be linked to that case or any country where monkeypox is endemic.

Investigations are underway to establish any more cases in the UK and if there have been similar rises in other countries.

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, aching muscles, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

FURTHER READING:

A rash can also develop, usually starting on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. It eventually forms a scab which falls off.

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