- The UK Health Security Agency confirmed 71 new cases in today, bringing the UK total since May 6 to 179
- WHO said outbreak is ‘moderate risk’ because clusters have been reported in different places simultaneously
- The outbreak, which was first detected in early May, has spread to 24 countries and struck 106 Britons
- The UN health agency said risk from the virus ‘could become high’ if it spreads to more vulnerable groups
- WHO said surge in infections suggests virus ‘may have been circulating unrecognised’ for weeks or longer
- There are growing concerns that monkeypox will spill into wild animals and never be eradicated
Another 71 cases of monkeypox have been spotted among Britons, as health chiefs urge anyone who develops a new rash to abstain from sex.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the new patients are all based in England. It brings the UK total to 179 since the first was detected on May 6, with the figure soaring 69 per cent since Friday — the biggest jump yet.
Almost all of the infections have been logged in England, apart from four logged in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
UK health chiefs insist the risk to the public remains low. But they have urged everyone to be on the lookout for new rashes or lesions on any part of their body — which appear like spots, ulcers or blisters.
The UKHSA has not shared the age, region or gender of those infected with monkeypox. But the majority are men who have sex with men, so it has told these groups to be particularly aware of the virus’s tell-tale signs.
