A further 11 cases of monkeypox have been detected in England, health officials have said.

The latest cases bring the total number confirmed in England since 7 May to 183.

There are also four confirmed cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, taking the UK total to 190, while the first case was reported in Ireland on Saturday.

The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to the population “remains low” because the virus, which is transmitted through close physical contact, does not spread easily.

It can live on surfaces such as bedsheets or towels, however.

People are advised to look out for rashes that are unusual to them or an ulceration.

Anyone with symptoms has been advised to refrain from having sex by the UKHSA.

Monkeypox: People with symptoms should not have sex, new UK guidance says

Monkeypox: First case of virus identified in Ireland, Health Service Executive says

Sixteen further monkeypox cases detected in England, UK Health Security Agency confirms

Dr Ruth Milton, a Senior Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: “The risk to the general public from monkeypox is still low, but it’s important that we work to limit the virus being passed on. 

“We remind people that they should be alert to 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.”

WHO is not concerned about another pandemic

Earlier the World Health Organisation’s monkeypox expert said she does not expect the spread to turn into another pandemic but notes that there are still unknowns about the disease.

Dr Rosamund Lewis emphasised that the majority of cases being reported globally are in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men.

“It’s very important to describe this because it appears to be an increase in a mode of transmission that may have been under-recognised in the past,” she said.

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“At the moment, we are not concerned about a global pandemic.

“We are concerned that individuals may acquire this infection through high-risk exposure if they don’t have the information they need to protect themselves.”

Dr Lewis added that it would be “unfortunate” if monkeypox was able to “exploit the immunity gap” left by smallpox 40 years ago, saying there is still a window to close the outbreak.

Read more:
People with symptoms should not have sex
Gay and bisexual men express fears about rise in cases
What do we know about the UK’s biggest-ever outbreak of the virus?
How do you catch it, what are the symptoms, and how easily does it spread?

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