East Midlands health officials have issued a statement as monkeypox cases increase in the UK. The monkeypox virus, which can be spread by close contact and possibly sexual transmission, can cause a rash to develop on the face and then spread to other parts of the body – most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
The latest reported number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK was 71, as of May 23. There has been growing concern about rising cases of the disease which has spread to multiple countries.
A spokesperson for The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there were currently no confirmed cases of monkeypox in the East Midlands. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, 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.
