The number of monkeypox cases in the UK will "likely" continue to rise and could turn deadly, a top academic has warned. But Professor Jimmy Whitworth says a lockdown situation - like the ones enforced during the Covid crisis - will not be needed as long as the spread of disease is brought under control.
Eight more cases of monkeypox were identified in England on Thursday, health officials said, as the first cases of the virus were recorded in Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the new cases bring the England total since May 7 to 85, and the UK total to 90. Two further cases were confirmed in Scotland, Public Health Scotland said, bringing the number of cases north of the border to three.
UKHSA teams have been tracing contacts of those with a confirmed case and are advising those at highest risk to isolate for 21 days. 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.
