Monkeypox symptoms to look out for as further cases detected in UK
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a statement to the UK public more cases of Monkeypox have been detected in the country.
It can be disturbing to read these reports, with more people than ever concerned for their health in a post-pandemic world.
Thankfully, the NHS and UKHSA have all the information you’ll need to help look out for the early signs of the infection.
Originating in central and west Africa earlier this year, the first cases were reported in the UK. Most of the cases are located London, but one case has also been detected in the north east of England.
As cases continue to rise, should you be worried about Monkeypox?
What is Monkeypox?
As stated on the NHS website: “Monkeypox is a rare infection mainly spread by wild animals in parts of west or central Africa.”
It also adds that it the risk of catching it in the UK is very low, so that should help put people’s minds at rest.
There is still reason to be concerned though, as cases are steadily on the rise in the UK.
The UKHSA released a statement on the situation on Twitter.
It read: “UKHSA has detected four new cases of monkeypox – three in London and one in the North East of England.
“Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It is spread by very close contact with an infected person.
“Most people recover within a few weeks but it can be more serious for some people.
“All four of the latest cases appear to have been infected in London and there is no travel link to a country where monkeypox is endemic.
“Where and how they acquired their infections remains under urgent investigation.”
What are the symptoms of Monkeypox?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms are “similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox”.
However, the main difference is that Monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell while smallpox does not.
The time from infection to symptoms is usually seven to 14 days but has been known to last up to 21 days.
The main symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills Exhaustion
The illness usually lasts between two to four weeks.
How transmissible is Monkeypox?
Thankfully, contracting Monkeypox is very uncommon as it is exceedingly difficult to get it from someone who is infected.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious as you should still keep a distance from anyway that is showing symptoms.
According to the NHS, it can spread though:
- Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash
- Touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs
- The coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash
You are extremely unlikely to contract Monkeypox if you are not showing any signs of infection or you haven’t travelled to central or west Africa recently.
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