Hey everyone, hold on to your hats! The UK is bracing itself for its very first case of Monkeypox, and the World Health Organisation is raising the alarm as the virus has made its way to Europe. This is the real deal – Sweden has already confirmed a case of Clade 1 Monkeypox outside of Africa, and the virus has claimed the lives of over 500 people on the continent.
While the risk to the people of the UK is currently low, officials aren’t taking any chances and are gearing up for what could potentially be a deadly outbreak. Dr. Meera Chand, UKHSA’s deputy director, had this to say: “The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK. This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognize cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission.”
So, how exactly does this new strain of Monkeypox spread among humans? Well, this particular strain has caused quite a global frenzy as it can be transmitted through close contact from animals to humans and between people. If you’re feeling feverish, experiencing chills, headache, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and a skin rash, you might want to get yourself checked out.
Up until spring of 2022, cases of Monkeypox in the UK were linked to travel to and from countries in west or central Africa where the disease is endemic. However, things took a turn in May of that year when sustained transmission of the virus was identified, resulting in a major outbreak primarily affecting gay or bisexual men. A vaccination program kicked off that summer and came to a close in July 2023.
Unfortunately, there’s no direct cure for Monkeypox, but doctors are working on treating the symptoms, which involves clearing up the rash and managing pain. This virus spreads through physical contact like kissing or sexual activity, handling infected animals, coming into contact with contaminated materials, and even from pregnant women to their unborn babies.
There you have it – the latest scoop on the Monkeypox situation. Stay safe out there, and if you’ve got any breaking news to share, don’t hesitate to drop us a line at [email protected]. And for more enticing stories like this, make sure to keep an eye on our news page.
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1. Ever wondered why some people attract more insect bites than others?
2. Explore the causes and treatment of Monkeypox symptoms
3. Monkeypox has mutated and is now considered a ‘global health emergency’
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