- Jim Reed
- Health Correspondent
3 hours ago
A further 71 cases of monkeypox were discovered in England over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases of the disease in Britain to 179, the Health Security Agency said.
The new guidelines advise anyone infected with the virus to abstain from sex while showing symptoms.
He is also required to use a condom for eight weeks after the injury as a precaution.
The Health Security Agency says the risk to the population is low, but people should be alert for any rashes they may have.
In total, 172 cases have been confirmed in England, plus four in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
Use a condom
And recently the four health authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland agreed on new guidelines that doctors and health care workers are required to adhere to, to help control the outbreak.
People who have tested positive for the virus and who have been in contact with them are required to isolate at home for a period of 21 days.
They should also avoid contact with other people until the rash is gone and all the wounds or blisters have healed.
Anyone with a confirmed infection is currently advised to abstain from sex while showing symptoms.
The guidance says that although there is no currently available evidence that monkeypox can be spread through sexual fluids, people who have been confirmed to have the virus are advised to use condoms for eight weeks after infection as a precaution.
Confirmed cases and close contacts should use extra caution if they need to leave home to see a doctor or other health worker.
This means making sure any wounds are covered with clothing, wearing a face covering and avoiding public transportation where possible.
Protecting medical teams
“The greatest risk of transmission is through direct contact with someone who has monkeypox,” said Dr. Ruth Melton, director of the monkeypox strategic response at the Health Security Agency.
“The risk to the British population remains low and anyone who develops an unusual rash or blisters on any part of their body should immediately contact the NHS or their local sexual health service,” she added.
The new guidelines also state that health care workers who are pregnant and people with severely compromised immune systems should not approach anyone with suspected or confirmed monkeypox.
It also clarifies: that employees who work with confirmed cases must wear personal protective equipment, including respirators, sanitary coats, eye protection and gloves, as a minimum.
Those dealing with potential cases are advised to wear anti-fluid surgical face masks, sanitary coats, gloves and eye protection.
Health officials in Britain have purchased more than 20,000 doses of the smallpox vaccine called Emphanix.
It is shown to close contacts of those diagnosed with the virus to try to reduce the risk of developing symptoms and acute attacks.