Dear colleagues
I just wanted to share some key information on the monkeypox outbreak in the UK with you. At the moment the overall risk to the public is low, and the overall situation and comms is being managed by UK Health Security Agency.
Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa, but we are seeing cases transmitted in the UK at the moment. The number of cases is low, but is rising and we expect to see more cases as public awareness of symptoms is increasing. In the medium term, due to the low transmissibility of the infection, public health experts believe the numbers ware likely to start to come under control. At present cases at a local authority level are not being disclosed due to small overall numbers and potential to identify individual patients.
The virus can spread if there is close contact between people with infectious lesions (pox). Recent cases are predominantly in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, so UKHSA are advising these groups to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns. Risks of transmission in schools, nurseries and other community settings is very low at present. As a local authority and commissioner of sexual health services, we are working with our sexual health services to ensure they have the latest information on how to identify and manage cases safely and reduce impacts on staff who may have to self isolate if they are in contact with a monkey pox case.
Background info on monkeypox
Mokeypox is usually a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone with monkeypox and most people recover within a few weeks.
Symptoms
- Unusual rashes or lesions on the body such as the face or genital area
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills and exhaustion
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or through the eyes, nose or mouth.
If you get infected with monkeypox, it usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. Symptoms 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. The rash changes and goes through different stages – a bit like chicken pox – before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.
The virus can spread if there is close contact between people through:
- touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash
- touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs
- the coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash
Anyone with concerns that they could be infected should see a health professional but make contact with the clinic or surgery ahead of a visit. NHS 111 can also give advice.
We will share further updates as needed as the situation develops.
Additional information is available on the government and NHS websites:
Monkeypox – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Dr Will Maimaris
Director of Public Health
Haringey Council
Mobile: 07919 357421
Email: will.maimaris@haringey.gov.uk