THERE are currently no confirmed cases of monkeypox in Worcestershire as health bosses set out their plan if there is an outbreak.
An increase of people with the virus has seen 36 additional cases of monkeypox reported in England taking the total number in the UK to 57.
However, nobody in the county has been affected by the outbreak so far.
Meanwhile, the UKHSA has provided more details of the plan that could be implemented if there was a case in the county.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “If any cases of monkeypox are identified we will rapidly investigate the source of their infection and carry out detailed contact tracing to follow up anyone who may have come into contact with them.
“Contact tracing will be carried out on a case-by-case basis and contacts will be categorised based on their level of contact with the person and the likelihood that they may have contracted the infection.
"The level of risk will vary between different types of contact.
“Following a risk assessment, the appropriate health information and advice will be provided to the contacts so that they know what to look out for and what action to take.”
The monkeypox virus spreads through close contact and the UKHSA is advising people to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions.
What is monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which originates in West and Central Africa.
According to the NHS, the symptoms include high temperature, fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
How is monkeypox spread?
- touching items like clothing, bedding or towels used by an infected person
- touching monkeypox spots or scabs
- a person with a monkeypox rash who coughs or sneezes near you
What to do if you think you have monkeypox
If someone thinks they have monkeypox symptoms, however mild, they should:
- Contact NHS 111 or call a sexual health clinic immediately. Their call will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
- Avoid close personal or sexual contact with others
READ MORE: What is monkeypox and why should you be concerned?
READ MORE: Monkeypox virus infection UK: See all health warnings so far
People should also contact the clinic ahead of their visit and avoid close contact with others until they have been seen by a clinician.
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