A further 71 cases of monkey pox have been identified in England, bringing the total to 179, despite hopes to contain the spread of the virus.
The number of cases in Scotland has risen to four, while Wales and Northern Ireland have each had one confirmed case.
The UK Health Security Agency said “most cases” continue to occur among gays, bisexuals and men who have sex with men, who are urged to “be aware of symptoms” including unexplained lesions or skin rashes.
The guidelines issued on Monday urge people with “possible, probable or confirmed monkey pox” to “avoid contact with other people until their lesions have healed and the scabs have dried”, although there is currently no legal requirement to isolate themselves.
Close contacts of anyone with monkey pox will also be “told to isolate for 21 days if necessary.”
People with the virus are urged to “abstain from sex while symptomatic, including the period of early onset of symptoms, and while lesions are present.”
Those who contract monkeypox are urged to “use condoms for 8 weeks after infection and these guidelines will be updated as evidence emerges.”
Monkeypox is generally not sexually transmitted, but researchers believe it can be transmitted through close physical contact during sex, leading to the latest outbreak — which has spread to more than 14 countries.
People with the virus “should ensure that any lesions are covered with a cloth and wear a face covering and avoid public transport where possible,” adds the guidance, and make sure they wash their own clothes and bedding separately from others.
dr. Ruth Milton, Monkeypox’s director of strategic response at UKHSA, said: “These new guidelines for Monkeypox contain important measures for healthcare professionals and the public to manage the disease, including how to isolate safely at home and reduce the risk to others .
“The greatest risk of transmission is through direct contact with someone with monkey pox. The risk to the UK population remains low and anyone with unusual skin rashes or lesions on any part of their body should contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service immediately.
Updated guideline for Imvanex smallpox vaccine, with 20,000 doses ordered, says it will be offered to health professionals to care for a patient with confirmed monkeypox, and staff working in sexual health services identified as assessing suspected cases
The vaccine may also be offered to high-risk close contacts, including gay and bisexual men and those immunosuppressed for up to 14 days after exposure.
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