Monkeypox Cases Double in the UK, Raising Concerns

 

Sajid Javid, the UK’s health secretary, confirmed 11 new more cases today, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases to 20.

 

UKHSA have confirmed 11 new cases of Monkeypox in the UK.

This morning I updated G7 Health Ministers on what we know so far.

Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against Monkeypox. pic.twitter.com/T7ECf0E4AW

— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) May 20, 2022

 

There were two cases reported yesterday, which doubled the number today, raising concerns that the virus is spreading uncontrollably throughout the country.

 

As the number of cases rises, ministers have ordered more smallpox vaccine, which is being distributed to those who may have been exposed to the virus.

 

Monkeypox is a mild virus-borne disease that mostly affects monkeys in Central and West Africa.

 

Close contact or contact with clothing or linens worn by a person infected with monkeypox can spread the infection.

 

Dr. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser (UKHSA) said, “We continue to rapidly investigate the source of these infections and raise awareness among healthcare professionals. We are contacting any identified close contacts of the cases to provide health information and advice.”

 

“Because the virus spreads through close contact, we are urging everyone to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health service if they have any concerns.”

 

Fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and weariness are among the early symptoms of monkeypox, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

 

A rash can appear, usually on the face, and then spread to other regions of the body, including the genitals, looking like chickenpox or syphilis (UKHSA).

 

Even without treatment, most people recover within a few weeks.

 

World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating the outbreak in European countries including the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada.

 

For further information visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/monkeypox-cases-confirmed-in-england-latest-updates