UKHSA latest findings into monkeypox outbreak

Monkeypox outbreak: epidemiological update

The present outbreak is the primary time that the virus has been handed from individual to individual in England the place journey hyperlinks to an endemic nation haven’t been recognized.

Of 190 confirmed circumstances recognized from 6 to 30 Might, 183 have been in England, 4 have been in Scotland, 2 have been in Northern Eire and 1 was in Wales.

In England, 86% of the circumstances are in London residents (132 out of 153) and solely 2 have been ladies. Most monkeypox circumstances have occurred in folks aged 20 to 49 years previous (87%). 100 and eleven circumstances are identified to be homosexual, bisexual, or different males who’ve intercourse with males (GBMSM).

Latest overseas journey to quite a few totally different international locations in Europe inside 21 days of symptom onset has been reported by 34 confirmed circumstances (18%). Investigations thus far have recognized hyperlinks to homosexual bars, saunas and the usage of relationship apps within the UK and overseas. Investigations proceed however at present no single issue or publicity that hyperlinks the circumstances has been recognized.

UKHSA has labored quickly with companions together with the British Affiliation of Sexual Well being and HIV (BASHH), the British HIV Affiliation, the Terrence Higgins Belief, Stonewall and relationship App Grindr to speak with sexual well being providers and the GBMSM group. The LGBT Consortium and Satisfaction organisers throughout the UK have been inspired to assist share public well being messaging over the subsequent few weeks.

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Medical and Rising Infections at UKHSA, stated:

We’re working to interrupt chains of transmission, together with by contact tracing and vaccination. We’re grateful to everybody who has come ahead for testing and this can be very necessary that everybody continues to concentrate on the signs and to hunt recommendation if they’ve considerations.

We’re reminding folks to look out for brand new spots, ulcers or blisters on any a part of their physique. If anybody suspects they may have monkeypox, significantly if they’ve not too long ago had a brand new sexual associate, they need to restrict their contact with others and make contact with NHS 111 or their native sexual well being service as quickly as potential, although please cellphone forward earlier than attending in individual.

In London, outreach exercise has included working with venue house owners and occasion organisers.

Professor Kevin Fenton, London Regional Director for Public Well being stated:

Monkeypox can have an effect on anybody however we all know that lots of the most up-to-date diagnoses are in homosexual, bisexual, and different males who’ve intercourse with males, lots of whom dwell in, or have hyperlinks to London. We’re reminding everybody of the signs of monkeypox, and particularly homosexual and bisexual males specifically, to be particularly conscious and search recommendation instantly by calling NHS111 or their native sexual well being clinic if they’ve considerations.

As with every new illness outbreak, the chance of stigma and uncertainty is nice. For this reason we’re working aspect by aspect with the NHS, sexual well being, voluntary and group sector organisations in London to share correct details about monkeypox particularly to folks and teams at elevated danger by way of consultant voices.

UKHSA well being safety groups are contacting individuals who could also be excessive danger contacts of confirmed circumstances. These contacts might be danger assessed and if they continue to be properly, might be suggested to isolate at dwelling for as much as 21 days. Along with isolating, UKHSA is providing the Imvanex vaccine to individuals who have had contact, or might have contact (for instance well being staff), with a confirmed case of monkeypox to cut back the chance of an infection and extreme sickness.

Investigations are persevering with and UKHSA will publish weekly updates for companions and the general public, with newest case numbers and findings.

For extra info:

Background

Desk 1: Variety of laboratory confirmed monkeypox circumstances by area of residence, England, 06 to 30 Might 2022 (n=183)

*deal with not but confirmed

Previous to this outbreak, there had been 7 circumstances of monkeypox within the UK between 2018 and 2021. 4 of those have been imported, 2 circumstances have been in family contacts of confirmed circumstances, and 1 case was in a healthcare employee concerned within the care of an imported case.