Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Monkeypox has started to spread among the population in Britain. Experts say it’s from sexual intercourse.
Health officials in the country are urging anyone who has tested positive to stop having sex until their symptoms are cleared up.
In addition, experts ask that anyone who previously texted positive uses condoms for 8 weeks following the infection.
The potential to contract it is low, but if you see rashes or lesions you should contact your healthcare provider.
71 additional cases were reported over the holiday weekend in Britain, bringing the total to 179.
The first case was seen May 7, 2022.
Spain has 120 cases and Portugal has 96.
In all, CNBC News reports that there are 555 cases outside of Africa, where the disease originated.
Why is avoiding sexual contact important for Monkeypox?
The disease is rare and normally only seen in African countries.
Symptoms are
- Rashes
- Fever
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Swelling
- Back pain
The disease is not normally severe and clears up, but the spread happening in countries it normally doesn’t at a rapid rate has raised concern.
Most cases have spread specifically through sexual contact, with higher rates among the LGBTQ communities.
The outbreak has not officially led to a global pandemic, but the potential remains.
How to manage Monkeypox if you contract it
If you think you have the disease, it is important to stay away from others and contact your doctor.
Rashes or lesions will show up within 1-5 days of feeling ill on the face, hands, feet, mouth, eyes, or genitals.
The rashes will turn to blisters before filling with pus and bursting, then scabbing over.
The disease is similar to chickenpox, herpes, and syphilis, so it’s easy to mix up whether it’s really Monkeypox or not.
Most individuals will recover within 2-4 weeks.
Usually, the disease is not fatal.
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