No cases of monkeypox have been detected in the South West, health authorities have confirmed.
This comes after it was confirmed a case of the monkeypox has been identified in Wales, with cases across the UK now having hit 80. Health authorities are asking that anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body should immediately contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service, but people are asked to phone ahead before attending in person.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that "a notable proportion" of the cases identified to date have been among people who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM). The body is asking these groups in particular to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.
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UKHSA health protection teams are contacting people considered to be high-risk contacts of confirmed cases and are advising those who have been risk assessed and remain well to isolate at home for up to 21 days. Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said: "We are continuing to promptly detect new monkeypox cases through our extensive surveillance network and NHS services.
"If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, 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."
UKHSA said that it has purchased supplies of a safe smallpox vaccine (Imvanex, supplied by Bavarian Nordic) and this is being offered to close contacts of those diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness.
Earlier this week, it was reported that a child was said to be in intensive care with the infection. The NHS describes monkeypox as "a rare infection that's mainly spread by wild animals in parts of west or central Africa". it says the risk of catching it in the UK is low.
The NHS states: "Monkeypox can also be spread through:
- touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash
- touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs
- the coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash"
And it adds: "Only a small number of people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the UK. You're extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if:
- you have not recently travelled to west or central Africa
- you have not been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox (such as touching their skin or sharing bedding)"
The first symptoms for monkeypox take between 5 and 21 days to appear. These include a high temperature, a headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, shivering (chills) and exhaustion.
