UK Health Officials Spots New Monkeypox Symptoms

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated the case definition for monkeypox to include new symptoms associated with the disease.

A single sore or sore on the genitals, anus, and surrounding area, sores in the mouth, and anal pain or bleeding, especially if the person has recently had a new s*xual partner, are all recognized by the UK as symptoms of viral infection have gone.

Most people with monkeypox can safely manage their symptoms at home and no deaths have been reported. There is still a need to be cautious and stay alert for symptoms. For many people, symptoms can be mild but for some people, hospital treatment may be required.

Guidance and materials are being updated to reflect the new case definition and expanded symptoms list.

Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “We continue to see new diagnoses of monkeypox, which are mainly passed on through close or s*xual contact.

“We have updated our case definitions to reflect the clinical presentations observed during this outbreak. It is important to recognize that just one or two genital or anal sores, or sores in the mouth, can be symptoms of monkeypox, especially if you have a new s*xual partner. If you think you have monkeypox, stay home and contact 111 or your local s*xual health service for advice.

“There is still a need to be vigilant and be alert to the symptoms. Symptoms may be mild for many people but may require hospital treatment for some.”

Experts have said monkeypox has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation, but the risk remains the same in the UK.

Commenting on the case definition update, Professor Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham, said: “Most monkeypox cases outside Central and West Africa are in gay, bisexual and other men who have s*x with men and experience symptoms. This group may differ in symptoms from those seen in other outbreaks.

“Therefore expanding the list of possible symptoms to reflect this will ensure that as many cases as possible are identified and isolated, and their contacts traced so that the current outbreak can be contained.“