A further 71 cases of monkeypox in England have been confirmed, according to the UK Public Health Agency.
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said the latest cases, as of 29 May, bring the total number in England to 172. Four cases have been detected in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, and the total for the United Kingdom is 179..
More than 200 cases have been identified outside the usual areas of the virus’s circulation, prompting a World Health Organization official to say it could be the “tip of the iceberg.”
The updated total of cases comes after the UKHSA, together with the authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, issued a joint guide to curb the spread of the disease.
He urged people with the virus to avoid close contact with others until their wounds have healed and their scabs have dried. They have also been told to avoid contact with pets for three weeks. Anyone who has had contact with an infected person could be said to be isolated for 21 days after a risk assessment.
The updated guide on Monday said people who suspect they have the virus or have been diagnosed with it, and should travel for medical care, should cover any injuries, wear a mask and avoid public transportation. They should also not have sex as soon as they notice the first symptoms and use a condom for eight weeks after infection.
Dr Ruth Milton, UKHSA Senior Medical Adviser, said: “We continue to work closely with our colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that we are aligned with our approach to reducing risk. transmission of monkeypox in the United Kingdom “.
The first cases in England were confirmed on 7 May. It is commonly found in West and Central Africa and can be transmitted through close person-to-person contact, including sex.
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Most of the cases identified so far are among men who have sex with men. Symptoms are usually mild and most recover within a few weeks. The UKHSA has said the risk to the UK population remains low, but people should be alert to new rashes, blemishes, ulcers and blisters on their bodies.
Anyone with a blistering rash should call NHS 111 or a sexual health center immediately, they added.