There are now 1,235 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK, the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed as it issued a warning before the Pride weekend.
The figure has risen in 159 cases since the last data set, when 1,076 infections were reported as of June 26.
Wendi Shepherd, director of monkeypox incidents at UKHSA, said: “The monkeypox outbreak continues to grow. Our research and confirmed case information continue to show that the vast majority of cases are found in gay men, bisexual or others who have sex with men.
“This weekend, we enjoy Pride for sure: before going to any event or party, check for spots like blisters and rashes. Please do not attend if you have symptoms of smallpox or monkeypox. “If you have a rash or blister, stay home, call a sexual health clinic and get tested.”
He added: “Please watch out for any symptoms of monkeypox in the coming weeks, especially if you are having sex with someone new.
“To help with our contact tracking, we encourage everyone to make sure they exchange contact information with sexual partners, to help us limit further transmission when cases occur.”
Monkeypox, which spreads by close contact and was first found in monkeys, occurs mainly in West and Central Africa and rarely spreads elsewhere.
Read more: World Health Organization Says Monkeypox Outbreak Is “Deeply Worrying” Monkeypox Outbreak “Evolves Rapidly” What It’s Like to Get Monkeypox
Use the Chrome browser to get a more accessible video player
1:00 WHO’s “concern” over smallpox
The European Medicines Agency says it will begin reviewing the data to decide if a smallpox vaccine can be authorized.
Anyone can have Monkeypox and it can be transmitted from person to person through:
- touching clothes, bedding, or towels worn by someone with the rash of the monkey’s smallpox;
- touching blisters or scabs on the skin of the monkey’s smallpox (included during sex);
- a person’s cough or sneezing with the rash of the monkey’s smallpox
Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
More than 51 countries where monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks of viral disease, as confirmed cases exceeded 5,000.
The World Health Organization says it is deeply concerned about the rising number of cases in Europe.
And this increase is putting pressure on sexual health clinics in Britain. These centers are usually the first to come into contact with cases of monkeypox, as it can present as a sexually transmitted infection.
The Association of Public Health Directors warns that pressure will cause people to suffer unnecessarily and their STIs will take longer to treat.