As monkeypox cases spread across the UK,
As monkeypox cases spread across the UK, an urgent warning has been issued to be on the alert for mysterious rashes.
After seven infections were discovered in the last two weeks, health officials warned doctors to expect more.
Four more cases were verified yesterday, none of which were linked to travel.
Someone returning from Nigeria brought in the first recent instance in Britain.
Experts have now warned that it is spreading throughout the community, with physicians hunting down anybody who may have been in close contact.
“This is exceptional and unusual,” said Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s Chief Medical Adviser.
“The UKHSA is examining the source of these infections as soon as possible because evidence suggests that the monkeypox virus is being transmitted in the community and disseminated by close contact.” We especially encourage homosexual and bisexual men to be aware of any strange rashes or lesions and to seek medical help as soon as possible.
“Any prospective close connections of the cases are being contacted for health information and guidance.”
Doctors should be on the lookout for patients with inexplicable rashes, according to the UKHSA.
“The most recent cases are in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men communities,” the statement continued, “and because the virus spreads through close contact, we are advising these groups to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns.”
In portions of west and central Africa, wild animals are more likely to spread the rare disease.
Humans can catch it and transport it to other nations, though it is not easily transferred between individuals.
“This outbreak of monkeypox is unique in the history of the world,” stated Prof Jimmy Whitworth, Professor of International Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).
