The number of monkeypox cases in England is rising daily, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) detecting an additional 14 cases today. This brings the total number of cases confirmed in England to 70 since May 7.
Monkeypox is a 'concern' for hospitals in Greater Manchester, which are understood to be preparing for any cases to arise, senior NHS sources in the region have told the Manchester Evening News . However, there have not been any cases in the North West so far, the UKHSA has confirmed.
Despite further cases being detected, the risk to the UK population remains low, say national medical experts. There are 'plans in place' to deal with any diagnoses that surface in Greater Manchester, and the city's hospital leaders say they are 'watching case numbers very closely'.
READ MORE: BREAKING: 'Critical incidents' declared at Oldham, Bury and Rochdale hospitals amid major IT failure
Monkeypox a 'concern' for Greater Manchester hospitals dealing with IT issues
The increase in monkeypox comes at a problematic time for Greater Manchester's hospitals and the virus is being considered a 'concern', according to one senior hospital source in the area. Four of the region's hospitals are currently battling a slew of IT issues which are causing 'severe delays' to patient care, on top of high levels of demand which preceded the system failures.
But so far, there have been no cases of the disease in the North West, multiple sources have confirmed. If cases do arise, Greater Manchester health chiefs say there is a plan in place to deal with them.
The infectious disease team at North Manchester General Hospital will be the medics identifying and confirming suspected monkeypox cases for the region, the Manchester Evening News understands. The unit will 'provide support for advice and testing'.
Have you been affected by the IT chaos? Call the M.E.N. newsdesk on 0161 211 2920 or email helena.vesty@reachplc.com
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa, according to the UKHSA. This is the first time that there has been suspected community transmission in the UK without known links to countries where it is endemic, so the current situation is unusual and experts are acting with urgency to learn more.
Monkeypox is usually a mild illness that does not spread easily between people and gets better by itself, the UKHSA says, with most people recovering within a few weeks. The risk to the UK population remains low, but this is being kept under review as we continue to investigate and learn more about transmission patterns and risks.
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.
The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. The virus enters the body through broken skin (even if not visible), the respiratory tract, or the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) and doesn’t usually spread easily between people.
Spread can occur when a person comes into close contact with someone or something contaminated with the virus.
What should people do if they think they have monkeypox?
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said: "We are continuing to promptly identify further monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
"If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible – though please phone ahead before attending in person."
Calls or discussions at clinics will be treated sensitively and confidentially, adds the UKHSA. Confirmed cases will be contacted by UKHSA local Health Protection Teams to help identify and trace contacts so that the appropriate public health action can be taken to prevent the spread of infection.
UKHSA health protection teams are contacting people considered to be high-risk contacts of confirmed cases and are advising those who have been risk assessed and remain well to isolate at home for up to 21 days. UKHSA says it has purchased supplies of a safe smallpox vaccine (called Imvanex, supplied by Bavarian Nordic) and this is being offered to identified close contacts of people diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness.
As of 10am on May 23, over 1,000 doses of Imvanex have been issued, or are in the process of being issued, to NHS Trusts. There remain over 3,500 doses of Imvanex in the UK.
Is there a vaccine?
There isn’t a specific vaccine for monkeypox, but the vaccinia (smallpox) vaccine does offer some protection. Giving the vaccine to contacts after they have been exposed to the virus can prevent infection developing or reduce the severity of illness depending on how quickly this can be given.
Some healthcare workers caring for individuals and those with higher levels of exposures may be offered this smallpox vaccine following an assessment.
Is monkeypox an STI and why are gay and bisexual men being told to be particularly alert?
Recent cases in the UK and Europe have been found predominantly in gay and bisexual men, so the UKHSA is particularly urging these communities to be alert to the symptoms and seek help if they are concerned.
Monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex. It can also be passed on through other close contact with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.
UKHSA is recommending anyone who has changed sex partners regularly, or who has had close contact with individuals that they don't know, to come forward if they develop a rash.
What is UKHSA doing to find the cause?
UKHSA has identified cases and is carrying out contact tracing of anyone who has come into contact with confirmed cases to stop the spread. The agency is continuing to investigate the source of these infections, it says, and is liaising with public health bodies in all four UK nations to raise awareness among healthcare professionals of what to look out for.
Anyone who thinks they might have monkeypox symptoms should call NHS 111 or phone their local sexual health centre as appropriate.
You can read guidance on epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and management of monkeypox virus infections on gov.uk here.
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