Latest updates on cases of monkeypox identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 16 additional cases of monkeypox in England.
The latest cases, as of 26 May, bring the total number confirmed in England since 7 May to 101.
There are currently 3 confirmed cases in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland, taking the UK total to 106.
The risk to the UK population remains low, but we are asking people to be alert to any new rashes or lesions, which would appear like spots, ulcers or blisters, on any part of their body.
Although this advice applies to everyone, the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so we are asking these people in particular to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.
You should contact a sexual health clinic immediately if you develop a rash or lesions – though please phone ahead before attending in person.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said:
We are continuing to promptly identify further monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services, and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
We are asking people to look out for new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body.
If anyone suspects they might have these, 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 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.
UKHSA has also purchased over 20,000 doses of a safe smallpox vaccine called Imvanex (supplied by Bavarian Nordic) and this is being offered to identified close contacts of those diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness.
How to spot symptoms of monkeypox – BBC News
As cases of monkeypox increase across the UK, Dr Susan Hopkins, the UK Health Security Agency Chief Medical Advisor, has set out some of the symptoms to look out for.
Dr Hopkins describes it as a “self-limiting mild illness” where “the vast majority of people get better by themselves with supportive treatment”.