More cases of monkeypox have been confirmed around the world and health authorities are rapidly responding to the virus.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised anyone who is at risk of catching the virus should isolate for 21 days, as part of a ramping up of test and trace efforts.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), those considered high-risk are people who have had face-to-face contact without PPE with someone infected, direct physical or sexual contact, or contact with contaminated materials like clothing or bedding.
Isolating people have been told not to travel, to provide UKHSA with their contact details and to avoid people with immune system problems, children under the age of 12 and pregnant women.
Over 80 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in at least 12 countries so far, with 20 of them so far detected in England since the start of May.
What are the first signs of monkeypox?
The first signs of a monkeypox infection include a headache, fever and chills, as well as fatigue to the point of exhaustion.
Other reported initial symptoms included muscle aches, backache and swollen lymph nodes.
The UKHSA explained the symptoms: "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 – it can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab which later falls off."
The health agency reports that the virus appears to be disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual young men.
It added: "The virus spreads through close contact and UKHSA is advising individuals, particularly those who are gay, bisexual or MSM [men who have sex with men], to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns."
Monkeypox infections tend to clear up slowly, between 14 to 21 days
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for the UKHSA, said: "We expect this increase to continue in the coming days and for more cases to be identified in the wider community. Alongside this we are receiving reports of further cases being identified in other countries globally.
"Because the virus spreads through close contact, we are urging everyone to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health service if they have any concerns."
Will there be a lockdown because of monkeypox?
There is currently absolutely no indication whatsoever there will be a lockdown as a result of monkeypox.
A UK Covid lockdown was issued in March 2020 because the virus was easily spread and there was no vaccine at the time, meaning that though most people (except the vulnerable and elderly) did not get serious symptoms, people were forced to isolate in order to protect the NHS and its limited bed spaces.
Scientists are now working to understand why monkeypox cases are spreading at an faster than usual rate.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine's Professor Jimmy Whitworth told the BBC : "I don't think the general public need to be worried at this stage, but I don't think we've uncovered all of this and we are not in control of this."
Smallpox vaccines are reported to be 85% effective against the virus.
Monkeypox cases are very low and although it is not clear why it currently seems to be spreading in Western countries, there is little to no concern it will take hold.
Fear around the prospect of a lockdown appears to be due to nervousness thanks to the experiences of people during the Covid pandemic during the last two years.
