A high-level UK health official asked British citizens to remain vigilant against the symptoms of Monkeypox when getting involved with new or multiple sexual partners amid the rising number of cases.
On Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published another technical briefing on the Monkeypox as it stated that the outbreak continues to grow and cases remain primarily in gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (GBMSM). The latest epidemiological data, findings from interviews with patients and preliminary analyses are included to understand how the outbreak is evolving and to inform timely and effective public health interventions.
"UKHSA continues to work with partners including the Terrence Higgins Trust, Stonewall and the GBMSM community to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Monkeypox. The LGBT Consortium and Pride organisers across the UK have been encouraged to help share public health messaging during Pride month," the UK Health Security Agency said.
As many as 79 per cent of England cases are known to be London residents and 99 per cent of all confirmed cases are male, with 5 confirmed female cases. The median age of confirmed cases in the UK was 37 years old.
"Of the 813 cases identified in England up to 22 June, 321 (39.5%) had enhanced surveillance questionnaires. The majority (96%) of cases were GBMSM, with further data to indicate transmission is occurring in some sexual networks both internationally and domestically," the health agency said.
It further said cases frequently reported a history of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last year and 10 or more sexual partners in the last 3 months. Existing links between cases and sexual health services will be used to identify those at the highest risk who are eligible for pre-exposure vaccination.
Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, UKHSA said: "If you've recently had new or multiple sexual partners, please be vigilant to the symptoms of Monkeypox. Currently, the majority of cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men. However, anyone who has had close contact with an individual with symptoms is also at increased risk."
"If you are concerned that you may have Monkeypox, don't go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice," she added.
Dr Chand further encouraged UK citizens to ensure they exchange contact details with sexual partners, to help them limit further transmission where cases occur.
(ANI)
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)