Monkeypox: 36 more cases detected in UK – as virus could become epidemic in Europe, health officials warn | UK News

Another 36 cases of monkeypox have been detected in the UK, bringing the total to 56 cases.

It comes as health officials on the continent warn the rare virus could become endemic in Europe.

At least 85 confirmed cases were identified in eight EU countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, between May 15 and 23.

A doctor chairing the WHO expert group described the unprecedented outbreak as “a random event” that could be explained by risky sexual behavior at two recent mass events in Europe. .

The UK Health Security Agency has warned that close contacts of high risk of confirmed cases should self-isolate for 21 days.

The 36 additional cases are all in the UK, while Scotland has announced its first case.

Person-to-person transmission is occurring in the UK, with a large proportion of cases being identified in the gay, bisexual and male community.

Monkeypox is not normally a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be transmitted by direct sexual contact.

It can also be spread by touching the clothing, bed sheets, or towels of a person with monkey rash, and through the coughs and sneezes of someone with the infection.

The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) says most cases in Europe have had “mild symptoms” and are in the group of men who have sex with men, with the potential to spread the virus. spread in the wider population is “very low”.

However, ECDC director Andrea Ammon warned: “The potential for further transmission of the virus through close contact, for example during sexual activities between people with multiple partners, is considered high. “

The Center warned that if human-to-animal transmission occurs, and the virus spreads among animal populations, there is a risk that the disease could become endemic in Europe.

It calls for close cooperation between human and veterinary public health authorities to manage exposed livestock and prevent disease transmission to wildlife.

How does it spread? How big of a worry is that? Ask a question about monkeypox live Q&A

The ECDC also says monkeypox can cause severe illness in certain populations, such as young children, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed individuals.

The World Health Organization says it has no evidence that monkeypox has mutated, adding that the infectious disease circulating in West and Central Africa tends to remain unchanged.

Rosamund Lewis, head of the smallpox secretariat of the WHO Emergencies Programme, said the virus is usually less mutated, although genome sequencing of cases will help experts understand the outbreak. broadcast.

Initial sign

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.

A rash may develop, usually starting on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genitals.

The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before forming a scab, which then falls off.

The ECDC says infected people should be isolated until the scabs fall off and in particular should avoid close contact with immunosuppressed people and pets.

Abstinence from sexual activity and close physical contact is also advised until the rash heals. Most cases can stay at home with supportive care, it added.

Close contacts of monkeypox cases should self-monitor for the development of symptoms for 21 days after their last exposure.