Cases of Monkey Pox in England/UK, US, Portugal, Spain

  • Thread starter Astronuc
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In summary, 4 people in England have been diagnosed with monkeypox. The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to the public remains very low, although it appears the individuals caught it in the UK. Monkeypox is usually associated with travel to West Africa. The new cases - three in London and one in north-east England - do not have any known links with two other cases confirmed on 14 May or another case announced on 7 May.
  • #1
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TL;DR Summary
Monkey Pox spreading internationally
On7 May, BBC reported "Monkeypox case confirmed in England"
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61363896

Two more cases confirmed on 14 May.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-61449214

BBC reports "Four more people in England have been diagnosed with monkeypox. "
The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to the public remains very low, although it appears the individuals caught it in the UK.
Monkeypox is usually associated with travel to West Africa.

The new cases - three in London and one in north-east England - do not have any known links with two other cases confirmed on 14 May or another case announced on 7 May.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-61470940

So 7 cases of monkey pox in the UK, in 9 days.
 
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  • #2
I edited the title to reflect new cases in US, Portugal and Spain.

U.S. monkeypox case reported, as Spain, Portugal report infections in growing outbreak​

https://www.statnews.com/2022/05/18...ypox-cases-raising-specter-of-wider-outbreak/

Apparently, there have been isolated cases in the US before, and those were related to people who traveled to or arrived from Nigeria.

CDC expresses concern about possibility of undetected monkeypox spread in U.K.​

https://www.statnews.com/2022/05/17...bility-of-undetected-monkeypox-spread-in-u-k/
 
  • #3
The next pandemic I say...
 
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LONDON, May 20 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization was holding an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the recent outbreak of monkeypox, a viral infection more common to west and central Africa, after over 100 cases were confirmed or suspected in Europe.

In what Germany described as the largest outbreak in Europe ever, cases have been reported in at least nine countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom - as well as the United States, Canada and Australia.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europ...ng-monkeypox-cases-top-100-europe-2022-05-20/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
 
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  • #7
3-6% Case fatality rate is high. That data would be primarily in Africa where medical care will be limited?
Either way, 'largest out break ever' is not the language anyone wants to hear on the back of a pandemic.
 
  • #8
Scientists warned us about monkeypox in 1988. Here's why they were right.

Back in 1988, scientists in London almost seem to have had a crystal ball.

Writing in the International Journal of Epidemiology, they made a bold – and surprisingly prescient – prediction about monkeypox: Over time, "the average magnitude and duration of monkeypox epidemics will increase," they wrote.

At the time, monkeypox was an extremely rare disease. Health-care workers detected only a few cases a year in West and Central Africa. People caught the disease almost exclusively from rodents or primates and then spread the virus to only a few people. Transmission between people was limited.

But the foresighted scientists warned that, over time, these sporadic outbreaks would grow in size and spread geographically. "In every monkeypox paper on previous outbreaks, there's always a warning about how we need to prepare for more outbreaks in the future," says infectious disease doctor Boghuma Titanji of Emory University. "That prediction has actually borne out."

Back in the 1990s, there were only about 50 monkeypox cases a year in West and Central Africa. Jump ahead 20 years, and in 2020, there were likely more than 5,000 cases, scientists reported in February.

Now, in 2022, the world is facing the first international outbreak of monkeypox, with more than 450 cases reported in about 20 countries.
 
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1. What is monkey pox and how is it transmitted?

Monkey pox is a rare viral disease that is primarily found in central and western Africa. It is believed to be transmitted to humans from animals, such as rodents or primates, through direct contact with their bodily fluids or through bites or scratches. It can also be spread through contact with infected humans.

2. How many cases of monkey pox have been reported in England/UK?

As of 2021, there have been no reported cases of monkey pox in England/UK. The last reported case was in 2018, when a Nigerian resident visiting the UK was diagnosed with the disease. The individual was successfully treated and there was no further spread of the virus in the UK.

3. Is there a treatment for monkey pox?

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for monkey pox. However, supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve the chances of recovery. This may include administering antiviral medications, keeping the patient hydrated, and providing pain relief.

4. Can monkey pox be prevented?

Prevention of monkey pox involves avoiding contact with infected animals or humans. This includes avoiding contact with wild animals, especially rodents and primates, and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. In areas where monkey pox is prevalent, vaccination may be recommended for high-risk individuals.

5. Are there any travel restrictions or precautions for countries with reported cases of monkey pox?

As of now, there are no travel restrictions or precautions for countries with reported cases of monkey pox. However, it is always recommended to stay informed about any outbreaks or travel advisories before visiting a particular country. It is also important to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding contact with wild animals and practicing good hygiene, to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

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