With monkeypox spreading across Europe, some are beginning to worry about rules, symptoms, and risks.
The virus has existed in Africa for a number of years, but is now appearing in a number of countries in Europe.
According to the NHS, the condition can spread through infected animals, contaminated foods, and contact with an infected person - including coughing or sneezing.
It is being closely monitored by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and is not currently a major cause for concern, with most cases being mild.
Some will still want to know details surrounding the condition, so here is everything you need to know about monkeypox in the UK.
Do I need to self-isolate?
If you catch monkeypox, it is advised that you self-isolate for 21 days, especially if you are considered high-risk.
According to Dr Susan Hopkins of the UKHSA, high risk patients include immune-suppressed individuals and younger people.
Is there a mandatory quarantine in the UK?
No, currently there is no mandatory quarantine period if you are suffering from monkeypox. While it is advised to self-isolate, you do not have to.
There are mandatory isolation rules elsewhere, however, as Belgium becomes the first country in Europe to introduce a 21-day quarantine period.
How many cases are there in the UK?
The most recent numbers have seen cases rise to 57 in the UK, one of which has been recorded in Scotland with the NHS and Public Health Scotland working together to investigate the source of the infection.
The UKHSA called the outbreak is: "significant and concerning" in a statement, but have said that: "risk to the UK population remains low".
What symptoms should I look out for?
Common symptoms of monkeypox, according to the NHS, include:
- a rash
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
The monkeypox rash will typically appear 1 to 5 days after a person experiences the first symptomns.
Dr Susan Hopkins of the UKHSA told the BBC on the weekend: "If you have a rash, immediately seek medical care, either by calling your GP or a sexual health clinic,"
How dangerous is monkeypox?
Right now, monkeypox is considered to be low risk to the UK population with the condition usually clearing up in two to four weeks, according to NHS guidence.
The risk to adults is low, and it will not spread as easily as Covid-19, an airborne virus, as monkepox spreads through close contact.
The UKHSA has said that while risk is not higher for gay and bisexual men, more cases have been reported.
Dr Hopkins of the UKHSA said: “A notable proportion of recent cases in the UK and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men so we are particularly encouraging these men to be alert to the symptoms.”
According to the WHO severe cases can occur but are very rare, with a case fatality ratio of around 3-6%
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