The world is only at the 'very, very beginning' of the monkeypox outbreak, experts have warned.
But the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasised that the disease 'is not Covid' or similar fast-spreading diseases, Wales Online reports.
On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced another 16 cases of monkeypox had been detected in England. As of May 26, the UK's total cases stand at 106. On May 16, officials announced at least one patient was being treated for the disease in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
In a briefing to countries on Friday, Sylvie Briand, the WHO’s epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention chief, said more cases of the disease were going to emerge over the next few days.
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.”
The UKHSA says the risk to the population in this country 'remains low', as the virus doesn't spread easily. Nonetheless, 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.
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.”
Monkeypox is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.
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