[ad_1]
Monkeypox is spreading through community transmission in the UK with more cases being detected daily, a senior doctor has warned.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 20 cases of the disease in the UK with nine other countries outside of Central and West Africa also reporting outbreaks.
The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact – including sexual intercourse – and is caused by the monkeypox virus.
Dr Susan Hopkins, a chief medical adviser for UKHSA, said updated figures for the weekend will be released on Monday as she warned of more cases “on a daily basis”.
READ MORE: Doctor warns of rising monkeypox transmission with ‘more cases each day’
READ MORE: New monkeypox guidance tells high-risk close contacts to isolate for 21 days
What is monkeypox?
Monkeypox cases are usually found in West Africa, and the virus does not often spread elsewhere.
That is why outbreaks reported in Britain, Portugal, Spain and the United States have cased alarm among public health experts.
The disease, which was first discovered in monkeys, is usually mild but can cause severe illness in some cases.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, which then spreads to other parts of the body including the genitals.
The rash can look like chickenpox or syphilis, and scabs can form which then fall off.
The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.
What has happened in the UK?
Speaking to BBC One’s Morning Show, Dr Hopkins said: “We are detecting more cases on a daily basis and I’d like to thank all of those people who are coming forward for testing to sexual health clinics, to the GPs and emergency department.”
…
[ad_2]
Source : times
