The first known human infection was in 1970 - a nine-year-old Congolese boy. It was first identified by scientists in 1958 after outbreaks of pox-like diseases in research monkeys were reported. There are two main variants - the Congo strain, which is more severe and has up to 10 per cent mortality, and the West African strain, which has a fatality rate of about 1 per cent. A majority of initial infections were reported in central and west Africa. Monkeypox is a virus that originates in wild animals like rodents and primates and then spreads to people. The United States' Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has voiced similar concerns. The patients have been admitted to specialist infectious disease units at hospitals in Newcastle and London, news agency PTI said in its report.Ĭoncern over infections spreading through sexual contact were also flagged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) this week "We are seeing transmission among men having sex with men," Ibrahima Soce Fall, assistant director general for emergency response at the WHO, said. "We are particularly urging men who are gay and bisexual to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health service without delay," Dr Hopkins said in a UKHSA statement. The UKHSA is contacting potential close contacts of the infected patients. It can also be passed on through close contact with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.Ĭalling it 'rare and unusual', Dr Susan Hopkins, the UKHSA's Chief Medical Adviser said the agency is investigating the source of these infections urgently over fears of community transmission. Monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.
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The UK public health body said 'the virus does not spread easily between people' but since most recent cases were from the gay, bisexual and MSM communities - and as the virus spreads through close contact - 'we are advising these groups to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns'.ĪLSO READ: Explainer: Why monkeypox cases are rising in Europe
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The warning comes after the UK reported its ninth monkeypox case since May 6, with the UKHSA confirming 'recent cases predominantly in gay and bisexual communities, or men who have sex with men (MSM)'. The United Kingdom Health Security Agency has warned 'men who are gay and bisexual' to be aware of unusual rashes or lesions and contact a doctor without delay in such a case.