Monkeypox: 77 more cases confirmed in the UK, says health agency
The UK Health Security Agency has reiterated its warning for people to be wary, especially men who have sex with men.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Wiki Commons
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported another 77 cases of Monkeypox in the UK, bringing the total here to 302.
73 new cases have been found in England, 2 in Scotland, and 2 in Wales as reported by the agency on Monday (6 June)
The health body says there are currently 287 confirmed cases in England, 10 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland, and 3 in Wales.
“Be sensible, be aware of the signs, and beware the hype”
The UKHSA is reiterating that while anyone can catch monkeypox, gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men have so far been disproportionately affected.
People are being urged to contact a sexual health clinic if they have a rash with blisters and if they’ve either:
– Been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks.
– Been to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks.
The United Nations Aids agency has been among those calling for calm, especially in regard to “homophobic and racist” media reporting that could lead to the greater stigma of already stigmatised communities.
A statement from the agency in May reads: “Lessons from the AIDS response show that stigma and blame directed at certain groups of people can rapidly undermine outbreak response.”
Attitude columnist, Dr. Ranj, has echoed these sentiments. His advice: “be sensible, be aware of the signs, and beware the hype.”
The Attitude May/June issue is out now.
