The UK health authority reports four more cases of monkeypox. However, they are said to have no connection with recently discovered cases.
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the essentials in brief
- Four more cases of monkeypox have been detected in the UK.
- According to the health authority, these are not related to previous cases.
- The health authority estimates the risk for the general population to be low.
In Great Britain four more cases of monkeypox have been recorded. As the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced on Monday, there is no known connection with the other cases, that have recently been discovered. The total number of cases has increased to seven. Four men who were infected in London are affected.
The authority explained that all four cases involved men who had sexual contact with other men. There have been no trips to countries where the disease is endemic. A connection between the four infections is still being determined. It is the West African variant, which is milder than the Central African.
In view of the recent increase in cases, the company is working closely with the NHS health service and international partners to identify possible further cases, the message said. Gay men have been asked to look out for any unusual rashes or injuries on their bodies, particularly in the genital area.
Risk for the general population low
The UKHSA had only confirmed two other cases over the weekend. It was initially unclear where the two patients got infected. Another case had already been reported in early May. At the time, it was said that the sick person was probably infected in Nigeria and then traveled to Great Britain.
According to the UKHSA, the rare viral disease usually causes only mild symptoms. But it can also lead to severe courses. Only symptomatic patients with close contact are contagious.
The authority estimates the risk for the general population to be low. Symptoms include a rash that first appears on the face and then primarily affects the hands and feet.