Another 71 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in England, according to UK public health.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the latest cases on 29 May had brought the total number in England to 172. Four cases had been found in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, bringing the total to the United Kingdom. 179
More than 200 cases have been identified outside the normal areas of the virus’s circulation, prompting a World Health Organization official to say it could be the tip of the iceberg.
The updated total number of cases comes after the UKHSA, together with the authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, issued joint guidelines to halt the spread of the disease.
He urged people with the virus to avoid close contact with others until their lesions healed and all scabs dried. They were also told to avoid contact with pets for three weeks. Anyone who has had contact with someone infected can be told to isolate themselves for 21 days after a risk assessment.
Monday’s updated guidelines say people who suspect they have the virus or have been diagnosed with it and need to travel for health care should cover all lesions, wear a face mask and avoid public transport. They should also not have sex as soon as they notice the first symptoms and use a condom for eight weeks after infection.
Dr Ruth Milton, Senior Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “We continue to work closely with our counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that we are consistent in our approach to reducing the risk of monkey transmission. measles in the United Kingdom.
The first cases in England were confirmed on May 7. It is commonly found in West and Central Africa and can be transmitted through close human-to-human contact, including sexual contact.
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Most of the cases identified so far are among men who have sex with men. The symptoms are usually mild and most recover within a few weeks. UKHSA said the risk to the UK population remains low, but people need to be on the lookout for any new rashes, blemishes, ulcers and blisters on their bodies.
Anyone with a blistering rash should call NHS 111 or a sexual health center immediately, they added.
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