UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed the number of monkeypox cases in the United Kingdom has increased rapidly in the past month.
As of today, 28 July 2022, there are 2,469 confirmed and 77 highly probable monkeypox cases in the UK: 2,546 in total. Of these, 2,436 are in England.
By comparison, on Sunday, 26 June, there were 1,076 confirmed cases in the UK.
Dr Sophia Makki, National Incident Director at UKHSA, said:”Monkeypox cases continue to rise, with the virus being passed on predominantly in interconnected sexual networks.
“Before you have sex, go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters. If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician.
“Vaccination will further strengthen our monkeypox response and so we urge all those who are eligible for the vaccine to take it up when offered. It will help protect yourself and others you have had close contact with.
“While the infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms and hospitalisation in some. Please remember that the vaccine may not provide complete protection against monkeypox, so it is still important to be alert for the symptoms of monkeypox and call 111 or a sexual health clinic if you develop any.”
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For latest moneypox updates, go to http://www.gov.uk/government/news/monkeypox-cases-confirmed-in-england-latest-updates
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Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: “While anyone can catch monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks.
“Before you go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters.
“If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician.
“It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear after being in contact with someone with monkeypox, so stay alert for symptoms after you have skin to skin or sexual contact with someone new.”