Confirmed monkeypox cases are on the rise. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said there are now 57 cases in the the UK, an increase from the previous number of 20.
Health officials said that while the outbreak is “significant and concerning”, the risk to the UK population remains low. The Government has stocks of the smallpox vaccine, which is being offered to very close contacts of those affected. Those at the highest risk of contracting the disease are being asked to self-isolate at home for 21 days, with others warned to be on the lookout for symptoms.
GP and TV personality Dr Nighat Arif says this coincides with a rise in other viruses, saying: “We are seeing an increase in cases of chickenpox, now we are out of lockdown and people don’t want to isolate anymore.” So, how can you tell the difference between monkeypox and chickenpox in your child?
