A FURTHER 16 cases of monkeypox have been detected in the UK, fresh data has revealed.
The UK Health Security Agency has urged Brits to be on the look out for blisters on any part of their body.
Initial symptoms include a headache and the illness will often feel like a viral infection.
It was today revealed that scientists working with smallpox-like viruses first warned about a monkeypox epidemic four years ago.
In 2018 Porton Down scientist warns of potential 'devastating consequences' of monkeypox.
Then in February 2022 scientists said monkeypox is a disease in 'resurgence' in a research review in the Neglected Tropical Diseases journal.
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It was published just a few months before the current outbreak.
In England, 101 people have the bug, with three cases having been detected in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.
The cases in Scotland are said to be in people with “recent travel history”, according to Public Health Scotland.
Health officials added that close contacts of the affected people were being identified and provided with health information, advice and, where appropriate, a vaccine.
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Monkeypox is a mild illness which gets better with time, in very rare cases it can lead to death.
It's most prevalent in parts of west or central Africa, but cases have now been detected globally.
Initial symptoms are usually "non-specific" and are like a viral illness, medics say.
A chickenpox-type rash later spreads across parts of the body.
The rash usually affects the face, hands and arms, but can spread to genital areas.
The signs of monkeypox you need to know
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills and exhaustion
A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.
The rash changes and goes through different stages.
At first it can look like chickenpox, before bumps become raised and filled with pus.
These lesions finally form a scab, which later falls off.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said: "We are continuing to promptly identify further Monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services, and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
“We are asking people to look out for 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.”
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