TUESDAY, May 17, 2022 (HealthDay News) – Four men in England have been infected with a “rare and unusual” monkeypox virus.
Investigators from the UK Health Security Agency are investigating the cases and whether there is any connection between the men, according to the Associated Press. None of the individuals have traveled to African countries where the virus is endemic. Three of the men are in London and one is in the North East of England.
Three earlier cases were announced last week. In these cases, two of the patients lived in the same household. The third man had previously traveled to Nigeria, one of the countries where the virus is endemic to animals. Most people who get monkeypox recover quickly within a few weeks. The virus has symptoms that include fever, muscle aches, chills and fatigue. In more severe cases, a rash similar to that of chickenpox and smallpox can form on the face and genitals.
The last four cases are in men who identify as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. However, monkeypox is not easily spread among humans and is not known to be sexually transmitted. In West and Central Africa, the virus is usually spread by touching or biting an infected wild animal. However, it can spread to people in extremely close contact, British health officials said.
“Evidence suggests that there may be transmission of the monkeypox virus in the community through close contact,” said Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser to the UK’s Health Security Agency. “We specifically urge men who are gay or bisexual to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health service immediately.”
Public health officials believe that the risk to the general population is low. They are working with hospitals and international partners to find out if there is a similar increase in cases elsewhere. This includes tracking people who have had contact with monkeypox cases, including airline passengers, the AP said. Doctors who see patients with unexplained rashes should seek professional advice, public health officials said.
Associated Press article
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