Experts say children could be infected with monkeypox by the end of the year, with fears the virus could be deadly to the youngsters.
Earlier this week a class of schoolchildren were sent home, ending their lessons for the year early, when they came into contact with someone with the condition.
The close call has raised concerns monkeypox could spread to youngsters by 2023 to whom it could prove fatal.
Grand Avenue Primary and Nursery School in Surbiton south London told parents in a letter as a precautionary measure they were closing reception two weeks early.
My London reported the school saying: “The whole of the Reception team and the School leadership are devastated that the end of this academic year is having to finish this way for the children.”
Parents were advised to avoid close contact with their children and to look for symptoms until the end of the month.
Latest figures by the UK Health Safety Authority on Thursday confirmed on July 14 there were 1,856 confirmed cases in the UK with 1,778 in England.
The vast majority (1,313) were residents in London, with 99.4% males.
It comes amid calls for an increase in the number of vaccinations to protect against the threat.
The Mail on Sunday reported 50,000 doses are on order, but more will be needed.
Dr Deborah Birx, the former head of the US Covid task force, told the publication all gay men under 50 in London need to be protected.
She added: “If you're at a gay bar and you're dancing, then there is a risk of infection.”
Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, earlier said: “While anyone can catch monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks.
“Before you go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters.
“If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician.
“It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear after being in contact with someone with monkeypox, so stay alert for symptoms after you have skin to skin or sexual contact with someone new.”
No deaths from monkeypox have been reported in the UK since the outbreak began earlier this year.
The UKHSA said the NHS will soon set out details on vaccinations for those eligible.
People are asked to not come forward until that time.
