Monkeypox, a rare and unrecognized disease, is being investigated in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere.
There have been over 1,000 cases of the disease in the UK within the last week.
The risk to the general public is usually low and infections are generally mild. However, the UK government purchased smallpox vaccine stocks to protect against monkeypox.
Monkeypox is caused in part by the monkeypox virus. Although it is a member the same family as smallpox viruses, experts believe that the chances of getting infected are very low.
It is most common in the remotest parts of central and western Africa, close to tropical rainforests. Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,200 cases have been reported in these regions.
There are two main strains of this virus, one from West Africa and one from Central Africa. However, the milder one is currently circulating in other parts of the world.
Monkeypox is spreading rapidly in the community due to unusually high numbers of monkeypox cases outside of Africa. There are no travel links to Africa.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, anyone who is concerned that they might be infected should call NHS 111 or contact their local Sexual Health Clinic. However, you can also email or call ahead of your visit.
As a precaution, it is recommended that infected persons refrain from having sex while they are experiencing symptoms.
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Fever, headaches and swellings are the first symptoms.
A rash can form once the fever has subsided. It usually starts on the face and spreads to the arms and legs.
Itchy, painful, and sometimes very itchy, the rash can change over time. Eventually, the rash will form a scab that eventually falls off. Scarring can result from the lesions.
The infection will usually resolve on its own within 14 to 21 days.
When someone comes into contact with infected persons, monkeypox can spread. The virus can be transmitted through broken skin, the respiratory system, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Although it has never been identified as a sexually transmitted disease, close contact can transmit the infection.
Guidance advises anyone suffering from the virus to stop having sex while they are experiencing symptoms.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that monkeypox can spread to sexual fluids in the future, it is recommended that people with confirmed infection use condoms for at least eight weeks.
It can also spread through contact with infected animals like monkeys, rats, and squirrels or via virus-contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, and other personal items.
The majority of cases are mild and resemble chickenpox. They usually disappear within a few days.
However, monkeypox can sometimes be worse and has been linked to deaths in West Africa.
Some cases were seen in gay men and bisexual men. However, anyone who is close to someone with monkeypox may be at risk.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), "a significant proportion" of recent cases in Europe and the UK have been reported by gay and bisexual men. We encourage them to be aware of symptoms and seek treatment if they are.
The virus was first discovered in a captive monkey. Since 1970, there have been occasional outbreaks across 10 African countries.
In 2003, there was a new outbreak in the USA. This was the first instance of the disease outside Africa. The disease was contracted by patients who came into contact with small mammals brought into the country from the prairie dogs. There were 81 reported cases, but no deaths.
Nigeria was the victim of the worst known epidemic in 2017. There were 172 cases suspected and 75% of the victims were between 21-41 years old.
Infection prevention can help to control outbreaks.
The effectiveness of smallpox vaccination has been shown to be 85% in preventing monkeypox.
To reduce the chance of symptoms developing, the UK has purchased 20,000 doses smallpox vaccine.
Antiviral drugs might also be helpful.
People who have been in close contact with confirmed cases are being contacted by health protection teams. They offer advice and monitor them.
Anyone who has come into contact with someone infected with monkeypox is urged to stay at home for 21 days.
Sources: UKHSA, World Health Organization.
