Monkeypox cases are rising in West Yorkshire and Leeds is leading the way with the most infections, despite the disease's overall spread slowing down across the country
According to the most recent data, there were 33 cases of monkeypox in West Yorkshire as of October 11 - a steady rise from 31 cases recorded by September 25, and just 25 by August 9. But the majority of infections were recorded in Leeds, which has 21 cases.
The other cases were in Bradford which had seven, and five in Kirklees. It is understood there are between one and four cases in Calderdale, but exact figures have been suppressed to protect the identities of infected individuals.
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The figures in West Yorkshire significantly go against the trend in the country with has seen numbers dwindle. Across England, there are now 3,499 known cases of monkeypox, with 19 new cases being discovered between October 4 and October 11.
There were just 19 new cases the previous week, down from 49 between September 20 and September 27. The spread of the disease appears to be slowing in the face of a vaccination programme which has seen numbers go down from a peak of 350 new cases per week in July. 70,000 vaccines were rolled out to NHS clinics around the country, with another 80,000 due to be supplied soon.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) - which is coordinating the response to the outbreak in the UK - has faced criticism recently from the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). The HIV and sexual health charity said it had withdrawn from meetings with UKHSA due to “appropriate actions not being taken and the lacklustre monkeypox communication strategy”.
THT has called for a “sustained, multi-channel campaign targeting gay and bisexual men” to ensure that all are aware of the risks and how to spot signs of infection; and to prevent monkeypox from becoming “endemic” in the UK. Ceri Smith Head of Policy at THT said: “We’ve seen a drop in monkeypox cases in recent weeks, but now is not a time for complacency.
"At present, vaccines are available to those most at risk of monkeypox – but this supply is finite and we cannot simply say to gay and bisexual men that they’re on their own once we’re out of vaccines. There is also a lack of clarity amongst gay and bisexual men about vaccine availability, with many outside of London struggling to find an appointment.
"It’s vital that those who are most in need of vaccination are aware of how and when they can get their first and second doses.”
THT says the overwhelming majority of monkeypox cases have been identified in the gay and bisexual community and believes the UKHSA must do more to target men in this group, particularly those who have yet to be vaccinated or who may need a second dose. It believes money must be found for a fresh health campaign targeting gay and bisexual men.
Monkeypox is a rare infection most commonly found in west and central Africa. It typically causes a rash that starts as raised spots which turn into blisters filled with fluid. It can also cause flu-like symptoms including muscle aches, joint pain, headache, backache, exhaustion, swollen glands, and a high temperature.
In most cases, the symptoms clear up within a few weeks, but in some people, it can lead to medical complications.
It can be passed on through close physical contact - including during sex, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands - by touching bedding or towels used by an infected person, or by the coughs or sneezes of someone suffering from monkeypox.
Dr Will Morton, UKHSA Incident Director, said: “The UK was the first to detect the international outbreak of monkeypox and we purchased 150,000 vaccine doses early to help protect the public. With thanks to Terrence Higgins Trust and other LGBT+ and sexual health partners, there is very high awareness of the disease, its symptoms and how to seek help and prevent transmission among those at higher risk.
"We are not complacent and will continue to ensure that everyone has the information they need to stay safe. Cases of monkeypox are low and this is thanks to a combination of the vaccine and changes in behaviour, based on information that UKHSA has published.”
UKHSA says it is working with partners to review the appropriate communication approach for the next phase of its outbreak response.
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