The spread of monkeypox appears to be slowing with no new cases in Merseyside in the last month - but the government response to the outbreak has faced criticism from a leading sexual health charity.
There were at least 22 known cases of monkeypox in our area as of October 11, according to the latest data available, the same number as of September 13, but up from six on August 9.
In Merseyside, 10 of the infections were in Liverpool, seven in Sefton and five in Wirral. There were also cases in Knowsley and St Helens but exact figures have been suppressed in these areas to protect the identity of infected individuals.
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NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has offered advice.
Prof Rowan Pritchard-Jones, Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: "It's encouraging that we continue to see significantly fewer cases of monkeypox reported across Cheshire and Merseyside.
"However, it remains important that people are alert to the risk monkeypox poses and take action to protect themselves and others. While anyone can become infected with monkeypox, the majority of cases continue to come from gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in interconnected sexual networks.
"Please continue to be vigilant for symptoms, including rashes and blisters, particularly if you have recently had a new sexual partner. You can find your nearest Monkeypox vaccination site online here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-monkeypox-vaccination-site."
Across England, there are now 3,499 known cases of monkeypox, with 19 new cases being discovered between October 4 and October 11.
However, the spread of the disease appears to be slowing in the face of a vaccination programme. There were also 19 new cases the previous week, down from 49 between September 20 and September 27. It is also down from a peak of 350 new cases per week in July.
It comes after 70,000 vaccines were rolled out to NHS clinics around the country, with another 80,000 due to be supplied soon.
But 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The HIV and sexual health charity said it had withdrawn from meetings with UKHSA due to “appropriate actions not being taken and the lacklustre monkeypox communication strategy”.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.
