Monkeypox is a viral infection originating in Africa. There are two variants of the disease, the west African and the central African variant. The variant currently spreading around the UK is the least deadly form of the disease, the west African strain. However, despite only hundreds of cases being detected in the UK, health officials have updated guidance in order to try and reduce the spread of monkeypox.
Guidance from the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) says those infected with symptoms should not have sex.
The guidance was issued as an additional 71 cases were detected in England alone.
So far, a total of 179 cases of monkeypox have been detected in the UK since the 7th May.
Most of the cases have been detected in England, with only a handful detected in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
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Although a concern for many given the UK’s recent battle with COVID-19, the UKHSA has said the risk to the public “remains low” as the virus does not spread easily.
It is not believed the virus will lead to the return of restrictions akin to those seen in recent years.
Symptoms of monkeypox include:
• A rash
• High temperature
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen glands
• Shivering
• Exhaustion.
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It is important also to note monkeypox is highly unlikely to result in a return to restrictions akin to those observed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Furthermore, there is already a way for the public to be protected against monkeypox through the administration of the smallpox vaccine.
Although smallpox has been eradicated, the vaccine used to suppress it is effective against monkeypox.
As a result, countries have been buying up large doses of the vaccine to administer in emergency circumstances.
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