More Monkeypox Cases Reported in UK

During the second week of May (2022), UK health authorities identified and isolated 3 cases of monkeypox in patients who returned from travelling and being exposed to this virus in Nigeria. However 4 more cases have been diagnosed, three in London and 1 in Newcastle upon Tyne. All the new cases are reported to have been exposed in London, and two of the cases are considered contacts but none of the cases were in contact with the original 3 infected persons. There is some concern that limited transmission may have occurred int he community.

Advice

Travellers are at low risk of exposure since monkeypox is a relatively rare disease caused by a virus that is closely related to the smallpox virus. Infection with monkeypox is not as serious as smallpox, but human deaths have occurred. The virus is transmitted by the bite of infected rodents or from person to person through respiratory or direct contact with an infected person. 

The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes and a fluid filled rash, starting on the face. Eventually, the rash becomes crusty and the scabs will fall off. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

Preventive measures include washing hands often and avoiding contact with wild animals and products made from wild animals. Furthermore, international travelers should also avoid contact with people who are sick.

Recently, a new vaccine called JYNNEOS (IMVANEX, IMVAMUNE) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in people who may be at high risk of exposure to this infection. However, it is available only from authorized providers and limited to adults 18 years of age and older.