Two people in Exeter have been vaccinated against monkeypox after potential exposure to the virus. This comes after the total number of recent confirmed cases in England reached 101.
The medical director of Bristol and Weston University Hospitals, Stuart Walker, confirmed that three people from the Southwest were potentially exposed to monkeypox elsewhere and then returned to the region. Two people in Exeter and one in Bristol were affected. Individuals are vaccinated against smallpox – used to treat monkeypox.
At a meeting of the Hospital Trust Board today, Professor Walker explained how health chiefs work on how to provide tests, vaccinations and prepare for potential hospital admission if patients become seriously ill.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is at the forefront of protecting the British public from infectious diseases and other health threats, described the outbreak as “significant and alarming”. The body has issued symptoms that it needs to watch out for, and says the risk to the general population remains low.
The latest data comes when a health expert warns that NHS 111 is overwhelmed with calls from people with rashes who are worried they have the disease.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “We continue to identify further cases of monkeypox in England in a timely manner through our extensive contact monitoring and tracking networks, our NHS vigilant services and thanks to the people who appear with symptoms.
“We ask people to look for new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body. If anyone suspects that there may be, especially if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or the local sexual health service as soon as possible, although please call in advance before attending in person. ”
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