Cases of monkeypox are on the rise in the UK and the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the virus. Experts believe that smallpox is probably a sexually transmitted virus, but studies are underway to understand how much is circulating and the possible risk factors.
The WHO also warned that the virus was spreading on sexual networks. It was previously thought that the monkeypox virus could only spread through close contact, including with lesions or through the exhaled respiratory droplets of an infected person.
Read A case of monkeypox confirmed in the United Kingdom: Know the symptoms, treatment and other details
WHO’s Maria Van Kerhove said there have been seven confirmed cases of monkeypox since the beginning of May, six in London and one in the Northeast. There is another suspect in the UK. Four of the seven cases seen in England in the last two weeks have been in gays or bisexual men. This suggests that sex is the engine of the show.
“We are working very closely with our regional office and other agencies to assess each of these cases, the source of the infection and the follow-up of the contracts so that there is no further transmission from person to person,” she added.
Symptoms of monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare, usually mild infection, usually caught by infected wildlife in parts of Africa.
The disease is related to smallpox, causing a rash that often starts on the face, according to the NHS website.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
It produces a distinctive rash that often starts on the face before spreading to the entire body, including the genitals.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says these virus rashes can be itchy and painful.
There is currently no cure for monkeypox and it is estimated that the mortality rate is about 10%.
Most people develop symptoms two weeks after infection and take two to four weeks to recover.
How is it transmitted?
Monkeypox can be caught by being bitten by an infected animal or by touching its blood, body fluids or fur.
Monkeypox is thought to be spread by rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels.
It is also possible to catch the disease by eating meat from an infected animal that has not been cooked properly.
Experts believe that smallpox is probably a sexually transmitted virus.
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