Monkeypox was made a notifiable disease on 7th June, 2022. Consequently, doctors must report any suspected cases and laboratories must report all confirmed cases. Two suspected cases have been logged in Blackpool during the week ending 19th June, 2022 (see below). As of 23rd June , the UK Heath Security Agency (UKHSA) had confirmed 910 cases of monkeypox across the UK. Of these, 26 were in Scotland, 3 were in Northern Ireland, 8 were in Wales and 873 were in England.
Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men. People are advised to contact a sexual health clinic if they have a rash with blisters and has been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks, or if they’ve been to West or Central Africa in the past three weeks.
Dr Sophia Makki, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: ‘We continue to see a steady increase in monkeypox cases. We’re reminding everyone to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others. If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been reviewed by a clinician.’
