UK Monkeypox total now at 106, UKHSA says
16 more cases of monkey pox have been identified in England, health officials said.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the new cases bring the total for England as of May 7 to 101 and the total for the UK to 106.
There are three confirmed cases in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
People with unusual skin rashes or lesions, especially 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.
Despite the increase in cases, the UKHSA said the risk to the UK population “remains low” as the virus does not spread easily.
Men who are gay or bisexual and men who have sex with men are particularly requested to be aware of symptoms, as the health authority said “the majority of cases identified so far” belonged to this group.
dr. Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s chief medical adviser, said: “We are continuing to rapidly identify further cases of monkeypox in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
“We ask people to watch for new spots, sores or blisters on any part of their body. If anyone suspects they may have these, especially 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, but please call ahead before asking comes personally.”
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