Urgent mpox warning as 8 new cases of killer disease discovered | CPT PPP Coverage

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MEDICS are urging people at risk of mpox to get vaccinated, following a rise in the number of cases discovered.

Latest figures suggest eight new infections were diagnosed in the UK between June 1 and 30.

The majority of cases (seven) were discovered in England, while one was found in Scotland.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there have been 28 infections recorded overall in the UK so far this year.

At its peak last year, mpox – previously known as monkeypox – was infecting 350 people per week, with the majority of cases amongst men who have sex with men.

Of the latest infections, 14 picked it up in the UK, 11 are thought to have acquired it while abroad, and three remain under investigation to find the source of the bug.

Health experts are calling for people to be on the look out for symptoms and for those eligible to get jabbed.

Commenting on the new data, Dr Hamish Mohammed, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “While numbers of cases remain very low, we should not be complacent about mpox.

“We recently extended vaccinations for those in London, and I’d encourage all those eligible to come forward now.

“Vaccination has played a crucial role in protecting people and reducing case numbers, and eligible people outside of London have until the end of this month to come forward for vaccination.

“While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms so it’s important people protect themselves from infection.”

Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said the rise in cases was “worrying”.

He added: “While this may seem small scale, it’s important to remain vigilant to ensure we don’t see another wave.

“We’re encouraging gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men to get both doses of the vaccine, as well as to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to get tested if you think you might have mpox.

“This is especially crucial through the summer with so many events and festivals bringing people together, this was a factor in mpox’s spread last summer.”

Mpox is a rare disease, with most cases being found in Africa.

But there are currently outbreaks in Britain, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

It spreads between humans only through close contact.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the virus is similar to human smallpox.

While it is much milder, it can be fatal.