The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that 77 additional cases of the monkeypox virus have been discovered in the UK, bringing the total to 302.
Of the additional cases of the virus, 73 were found in England with two in Scotland and two in Wales, as of June 5. The UKHSA insists that the risk monkeypox poses to the general population is "low" due to the fact that it does not spread easily.
Despite this, the virus can still be spread via close physical contact with an infected person or items they have also touched such as bedding and towels. The government announced that 11 cases were discovered last Thursday after updates were not provided over the Jubilee weekend.
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Last week, the UKHSA's data revealed that more than 50 per cent of monkeypox cases were found in men who are gay, bisexual or other men who have sexual contact with men. The data also showed that cases have mostly occurred in people aged 20 to 49 years old.
It comes after the World Health Organisation warned monkeypox cases could be "amplified" during the festival period through summer. WHO Europe regional director Dr Hans Henri Kluge said in a statement: “The WHO European region remains at the epicentre of the largest and most geographically widespread monkeypox outbreak ever reported outside of endemic areas in western and central Africa.
“Even as new patients present every day, investigations into past cases show that the outbreak in our region was certainly under way as early as mid-April.”
He added: “Based on the case reports to date, this outbreak is currently being transmitted through social networks connected largely through sexual activity, primarily involving men who have sex with men.
“Many – but not all cases – report fleeting and/or multiple sexual partners, sometimes associated with large events or parties. Rapid, amplified transmission has occurred in the context of the recent lifting of pandemic restrictions on international travel and events.
“The potential for further transmission in Europe and elsewhere over the summer is high. Monkeypox has already spread against the backdrop of several mass gatherings in the region.
“Over the coming months, many of the dozens of festivals and large parties planned provide further contexts where amplification may occur. But they also provide powerful opportunities to engage with young, sexually active and globally mobile persons to raise awareness and strengthen individual and community protection.”
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