The number of monkeypox cases in the UK topped 500 cases on Wednesday, according to the latest official figures.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it had detected 52 more cases in England, one in Scotland and one in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the UK to 524 as of Tuesday.
There are 504 confirmed cases in England, 13 in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, the UKHSA said.
“Anyone can get monkeypox, especially if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone showing symptoms. Currently, most cases are in gay, bisexual, or sex men. sex with men,” she said.
David Heymann, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “It’s important not to jump to conclusions or stigmatize certain groups or individuals.”
“While the overall risk appears to be low, everyone should remain vigilant as public health agencies work to contain this outbreak, as monkeypox can potentially affect anyone exposed through close contact with someone with the disease. ‘infection,’ according to Heymann.