Cases of monkeypox have been found in the North West as the virus is to be listed as a 'notifiable disease' in law from today (June 8). The update comes as the number of cases rises to more than 300 across the UK.
A handful of cases - less than five - have been found in the North West, according to the UKHSA. Following the diseases' prevalence within those who are gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, a senior Greater Manchester health source has warned that the inference that monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease should be extinguished.
The source told the Manchester Evening News that 'technically we are all at risk' as it does not only affect 'certain cohorts of the population'.
Legislation is now coming into force which will make monkeypox a notifiable infectious disease under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 from June 8. This means all doctors in England are required to notify their local council or local Health Protection Team (HPT) if they suspect a patient has monkeypox.
READ MORE: 'Concerned' medics have a plan to deal with Monkeypox if it spreads to Greater Manchester
Laboratories must also notify the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) if the monkeypox virus is identified in a laboratory sample. As of the latest update on Monday, 287 confirmed cases in England, 10 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 3 in Wales.
The current outbreak is the first time that the virus has been passed from person to person in England where travel links to an endemic country have not been identified.
Wendi Shepherd, monkeypox incident director at UKHSA, said: "Rapid diagnosis and reporting is the key to interrupting transmission and containing any further spread of monkeypox. This new legislation will support us and our health partners to swiftly identify, treat and control the disease.
"It also supports us with the swift collection and analysis of data which enables us to detect possible outbreaks of the disease and trace close contacts rapidly, whilst offering vaccinations where appropriate to limit onward transmission. It is important anyone concerned they may have symptoms of monkeypox feels able to access healthcare and clinical advice immediately.
"To enable this, The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2022 have been amended making the diagnosis and treatment of monkeypox, and suspected monkeypox, exempt from charges for all overseas visitors."
As of the latest update on Monday, in England, 86 per cent of the cases are in London residents (132 out of 153) and only two were women. Most monkeypox cases have occurred in people aged 20 to 49 years old (87 per cent). 111 cases are known to be gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men.
Recent foreign travel to a number of different countries in Europe within 21 days of symptom onset has been reported by 34 confirmed cases (18 per cent). Investigations to date have identified links to gay bars, saunas and the use of dating apps in the UK and abroad. Investigations continue but currently no single factor or exposure that links the cases has been identified.
Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, added: "We are working to break chains of transmission, including by contact tracing and vaccination. We are grateful to everyone who has come forward for testing and it is extremely important that everyone continues to be aware of the symptoms and to seek advice if they have concerns.
"We are reminding people to look out for new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body. If anyone suspects they might have monkeypox, 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.
In Greater Manchester, councils including Manchester City Council have shared that staff have been working with charities and groups within the LGBTQ+ community to ensure people can access health care and to tackle any risk of stigma.
Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney has urged the town hall to challenge disinformation about the disease. He raised concerns that the narrative about gay people perpetuated during the HIV and AIDS pandemic will be repeated as news of monkeypox emerges. Manchester's health scrutiny committee was told the virus was 'endemic' in parts of Western Central Africa, but is now spreading to other countries.
Coun Karney said last month: "The name itself is scary and excites anxiety and attention. Many of us have been through this journey before. It was about monkeys and animals in Africa, gay people, HIV and AIDS. We have to learn the lessons from that period in terms of the linkages made on what is basically a health issue.
"Gay people were vilified and targeted as carriers of diseases from Africa in the early days. If anyone saw Russell Davies' It's A Sin , even large sections of the medical establishment pulled away from treating gay people in a proper and professional manner.
"Never again. Let us learn. This council has to be upfront about challenging any of the scaremongering, any of the targeting, any of the vilification of any of our communities.
"It's got to challenge the disinformation. We live in a disinformation age. We can never again repeat what went on in the narrative about HIV and AIDS."
The efforts have been seen elsewhere in the country, including in the capital.
Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Health said: "Monkeypox can affect anyone but we know that many of the most recent diagnoses are in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, many of whom live in, or have links to London. We’re reminding everyone of the symptoms of monkeypox, and especially gay and bisexual men in particular, to be especially aware and seek advice immediately by calling NHS111 or their local sexual health clinic if they have concerns.
"As with any new disease outbreak, the risk of stigma and uncertainty is great. This is why we’re working side by side with the NHS, sexual health, voluntary and community sector organisations in London to share accurate information about monkeypox especially to people and groups at increased risk through representative voices.
"UKHSA health protection teams are contacting people who may be high risk contacts of confirmed cases. These contacts will be risk assessed and if they remain well, will be advised to isolate at home for up to 21 days. In addition to isolating, UKHSA is offering the Imvanex vaccine to people who have had contact, or may have contact (for example health workers), with a confirmed case of monkeypox to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness."
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