Hundreds of monkeypox cases found in countries where the virus is not normally seen could be just the beginning, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
Sixteen more cases of monkeypox have been identified in England, health officials said on Friday, while there have been three confirmed cases in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the new cases bring the England total since May 7 to 101, and the UK total to 106.
However, Sylvie Briand, WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention chief, admitted in a briefing to countries that more cases will be seen.
She told the World Health Assembly in Geneva: "We don’t know if we are just seeing the peak of the iceberg [or] if there are many more cases that are undetected in communities.
“We are still at the very, very beginning of this event. We know that we will have more cases in the coming days. This is not a disease the general public should be worried about. It is not Covid or other diseases that spread fast.”
People with unusual rashes or lesions, particularly if they have had a new sexual partner, have been urged to limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health clinic. Despite the rise in cases, the UKHSA said the risk to the UK population “remains low” as the virus does not spread easily.
Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief medical adviser, said: “We are continuing to promptly identify further monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services, and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
“We are asking people to look out for new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body. If anyone suspects they might have these, 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.”
