Another 19 persons in the UK have been diagnosed with monkeypox, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 321.
Since Monday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has verified 18 new cases in England, while another person in Scotland has tested positive.
No other information was provided, but officials stated that gay and bisexual males continue to be disproportionately affected. The outbreak’s epicenter remains London.
Since the outbreak was originally discovered on May 6, England has reported 305 instances, Scotland has reported 11, Northern Ireland has reported two, and Wales has reported three.
To prevent the virus from spreading further, Britons who acquire a new rash, lesions, or blisters are advised to call ahead before attending a sexual health facility.
Males who have sex with other men or who return from Western or Central Africa and develop symptoms should be extremely cautious.
It comes as monkeypox became a notifiable disease in England yesterday, requiring all doctors to report suspected cases to local health authorities.
According to the UKHSA, laboratories must also notify it if the virus is found in a sample.
‘Rapid diagnosis and reporting is the crucial to preventing transmission and containing any further spread of monkeypox,’ said Wendi Shepherd, UKHSA’s monkeypox incident director.
‘This new legislation will assist us and our health partners in identifying, treating, and controlling the disease as quickly as possible.’
‘It also helps us collect and analyze data quickly, allowing us to quickly detect disease outbreaks and track down close connections, as well as provide immunizations when necessary to prevent further transmission.’
‘Making monkeypox a notifiable disease shows a wish to ensure reporting from all sectors (public and private) and all elements of the NHS,’ said Professor David Heymann, an epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
‘It shows that the government wants to monitor the entire population, not just the risk categories that have been identified so far.’
‘This will allow for the accurate identification of all risk categories, as well as a better understanding of the epidemiology and transmission.’
Making monkeypox a reportable disease will also assist businesses who may suffer financial damages as a result of the epidemic.
Before the initial lockdown, the same move was done for Covid.
Officials claimed at the time that it would ‘assist enterprises in obtaining compensation through their insurance plans in the case of any cancellations that may be required as a result of the virus’s spread.
Rabies, whooping cough, and measles, as well as leprosy and plague, are now among the 34 diseases that must be reported.
So far, the gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with other men communities have accounted for the majority of cases.
Monkeypox is not generally a sexually transmitted disease, however it can be transferred by direct touch during sex.
It can also be spread by touching someone who has the monkeypox rash’s clothing, bedding, or towels.
Monkeypox does not normally spread easily between people, according to the UKHSA, and the overall risk to the UK population remains low.
If you have concerns about strange rashes or lesions on any part of your body, especially your genitalia, call NHS 111 or a sexual health professional, it stated.
Although the sickness is usually minor, it can occasionally lead to serious illness.
Fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and tiredness are some of the symptoms.
A rash can appear, usually on the face, and extend to other parts of the body, including the genitals.