Health officials say 11 more cases of monkeypox have been detected in the UK.
It brings the total confirmed since May 7 to 183.
There are also four cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, bringing the UK’s total to 190, while first case reported in Ireland last Saturday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the risk to the general population “remains low” because the virus, which is transmitted by close contact, is not contagious.
However, it can live on surfaces like bed sheets or towels.
People are advised to watch out for unusual rashes or sores.
Dr Ruth Milton, senior medical adviser at UKHSA, said: “The risk to the public from monkeypox remains low, but it is important that we work to limit transmission of the virus. . We remind people that they should be on the lookout 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 contact with others and contact NHS 111 or a sexual health service. their local location as soon as possible, though please phone first before meeting in person.
“UKHSA health teams are in contact with those considered to be high-risk contacts of confirmed cases and are advising those who have been assessed for risk and remain healthy to remain in isolation.” at home for up to 21 days.”
WHO is not concerned about another pandemic
More than 20 countries where monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks of the disease caused by the virus, with more than 300 confirmed or suspected infections, most in Europe.
The WHO monkeypox expert said she did not expect the spread to turn into another pandemic but noted that there were still unknowns about the disease.
Dr. Rosamund Lewis emphasized that the majority of cases reported globally are in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.
“It is important to describe this because it appears to be the proliferation of a mode of transmission that may have been less recognized in the past,” she said.
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“We are not concerned about a global pandemic at the moment,” she said.
“We are concerned that individuals may become infected with this disease through high-risk exposure if they do not have the necessary information to protect themselves.”
Dr Lewis added that it would be “regrettable” if monkeypox could “exploit the immune vacuum” left by smallpox 40 years ago, saying there was still a window to close the outbreak. .
Read more:
People with symptoms should not have sex
Gay and bisexual men express fear of rise in cases
What do we know about the UK’s biggest-ever virus outbreak?
How do you catch it, what are the symptoms and how easily is it spread?
