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Southampton expert speaks out on ‘big monkeypox outbreak’

Southampton expert speaks as monkeypox as cases rise
Southampton expert speaks as monkeypox as cases rise

A SOUTHAMPTON expert has spoken out after 11 new cases of monkeypox were today confirmed in the UK.

The disease, which was first discovered in monkeys, was identified in the country earlier this month.

According to Health Secretary Sajid Javid, the UK is stocking up on smallpox vaccines to help guard against monkeypox.


READ MORE: What is monkeypox and how does it spread? Outbreak confirmed in UK


Senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, Dr Michael Head, said monkeypox was a different sort of virus to Covid.

He said: “A big monkeypox outbreak like this is still a very different situation to a Covid-19 pandemic.”

He said more cases would come to light, adding: “The contact tracing efforts by public health teams will be crucial in containing the outbreak.”

Globally, 127 cases have been reported in 11 countries, according to John Brownstein, professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School in the US, who is keeping track of cases.

The UK government is offering the smallpox vaccine to very close contacts of those who have been affected by monkeypox.

Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UKHSA, said: “We continue to rapidly investigate the source of these infections and raise awareness among healthcare professionals.

“We are contacting any identified close contacts of the cases to provide health information and advice.

“Because the virus spreads through close contact, we are urging everyone to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health service if they have any concerns.

“Please contact clinics ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a clinician.”

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