There are now 1,235 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK, the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed, issuing an alert ahead of the Pride weekend.
The figure has increased by 159 cases since the last data set, when 1,076 infections were reported as of June 26.
Wendy Shepherd, director of monkeypox incidents at UKHSA, said: “The monkeypox outbreak continues to grow. Our investigations and information from confirmed cases continue to show that the vast majority of cases are in gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.
“This weekend let’s enjoy Pride safely – before going to any events or parties, get yourself checked for blister-like spots and rashes. Please do not attend if you have symptoms of monkeypox or are unwell. If you have a rash or blisters, stay home, call a sexual health clinic and get tested.”
She added: “Please be vigilant for any symptoms of monkeypox in the coming weeks – especially if you’re having sex with someone new.”
“To help trace our contacts, we encourage everyone to ensure they share contact details with sexual partners to help us limit further transmission when cases do arise.
Monkeypox, which is spread by close contact and was first discovered in monkeys, is found primarily in West and Central Africa and rarely spreads elsewhere.
Read more: World Health Organization says monkeypox outbreak ‘deeply worrying’ Monkeypox outbreak ‘rapidly evolving’ What is it like to contract monkeypox
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1:00 WHO ‘concern’ about monkeypox
The European Medicines Agency says it will launch a review of the data to decide whether a smallpox vaccine can be authorized for monkeypox.
Anyone can get monkeypox and it can spread from person to person by:
- touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone with a monkeypox rash;
- touching skin blisters or scabs from monkeypox (including during sex);
- the coughing or sneezing of a person with a monkeypox rash
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More than 51 countries where monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks of the viral disease, with confirmed cases exceeding 5,000.
The World Health Organization says it is deeply concerned by the rising number of cases in Europe.
And the surge is putting pressure on UK sexual health clinics. These centers are often the first to come into contact with cases of monkeypox, as it can present as a sexually transmitted infection.
The Association of Public Health Directors warns that the pressure will mean people will suffer unnecessarily and their STIs will take longer to treat.
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