Monkeypox Outbreak in the UK – How to Protect Yourself?
On May 27, 2022, UKHSA confirmed 106 Monkeypox cases in the United Kingdom. According to Ourworldindata, as of May 27, there are 403 confirmed cases reported worldwide.
Monkeypox outbreaks were reported in 22 Non-Endemic countries. The highest number of cases reported Countries are in the United Kingdom and Spain, both countries got 106 cases each, and these countries share the world’s total 50% of the cases (25%+25%). Portugal – 74 cases, Canada – 26, Germany – 21, Italy -12 and Netherlands -12, remaining countries reported <10 cases.
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What is the reason for the Highest cases in the UK?
UKHSA reported Its first Monkeypox infection in the UK on May 7, a infected person recently visited Nigeria, the country which is an Endemic for this disease. On that day Dr. Colin Brown, UKHSA’s Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, stated: “It is important to emphasise that monkeypox does not spread easily between people and the overall risk to the general public is very low.”
After one week on May 14, 2 cases were reported from London, who living together in the same house but had not visited any of Monkeypox Endemic countries. Dr. Colin Brown said, “While investigations remain ongoing to determine the source of infection, it is important to emphasise it does not spread easily between people and requires close personal contact.”
4 cases reported on May 16, 3 in London and 1 from Northeast of England, have given a clue for the spread. All four of Monkeypox confirmed men identify as gay, bisexual, or other men who have had sex with men. 2 cases reported on May 18 had the same story. Telegraph news reported that many of the new cases were linked to recent “recent raves, sex parties and adult saunas across Europe.”
So, the Monkeypox is a Gay Disease?
No, surely not, “Close contact with the infected” spread the disease. So, UKHSA advised, “Individuals, particularly those who are gay, bisexual or Men Sex with Men, 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.”
How did the Monkeypox virus spread?
Even though UKHSA says, “Person-to-person spread is uncommon”, the most uncommon things are becoming common now, the infection may occur through:
- coughing or sneezing of a person infected with monkeypox
- contact with clothing or bedding or towels used by an infected person.
- Direct contact with skin lesions or scabs caused by monkeypox.
So the Infected Man “may” spread this disease to the
- People living with him in the same household,
- People at his workplace,
- People at his Highschool or College,
- People working out with him in the gym,
- People Play Sports with him,
- People travel with him on public transport.
these are some possible ways of the spread of the disease, It means the guy must not need to be gay to get this disease.
You are at a High Risk of Monkeypox Infection
- If You are a person who shared a residence at least one night with infected people during his/her Infectious period.
- If you have used an Infected person’s bedding or towel.
- If you have changed Infected Person’s bedding without wearing any Personal Protective Equipment.
- If you are in the room without wearing Personal Protective Equipment during the aerosol-generating process.
- If you had sexual contact with the infected person during his/her Infectious period.
Call NHS’s 111, if you have been in the anyone of the situation mentioned above or if you have any Monkeypox symptoms, Visit the local sex clinic immediately.
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?
Symptoms of the monkeypox virus include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, backache, and rashes on the skin.
How to protect yourself from Monkeypox Infection?
- Avoid Kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with others.
- Stay away from the Monkeypox Infected people and animals.
- Stay away from the People and Animals with Monkeypox symptoms.
- Stay away from Infected People/Animal used materials.
- Use condoms if you have changed your Sexual partner recently.
- If you have the Monkeypox symptoms Call 111 or their local sexual health service.
Vaccines for Monkeypox in the UK
On May 27, 2022, The UKHSA procured over 20,000 doses of Bavarian Nordic’s, Imvanex Vaccine, a safe smallpox vaccine that is being provided to recognize close contacts of those diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe disease.
Because the virus that causes monkeypox is related to the virus that causes smallpox, vaccines developed for smallpox will most likely provide some cross-protection. Previous African data suggest that smallpox vaccines may be up to 85% successful in preventing monkeypox infectious disease.
Two doses of MVA-BN (Imvanex) vaccines were shown to provide 100%protection against a potentially deadly challenge of aerosolized monkeypox in a macaque approach.
You may be recommended to get a Vaccine to prevent Monkeypox infection if you were in a “close contact” situation or exposure.
WHO says there are lesser chances of the Monkeypox Pandemic, But people living in the Monkeypox outbreak countries should be vigilant to prevent themselves from the Monkeypox infection.
