THREE cases of monkey pox have been reported in Oxfordshire.
The UK Health Security Agency has published the latest epidemiological overview for the monkeypox outbreak, showing that one case was reported in Oxford, one in South Oxfordshire and one in Cherwell, in the seven days before Sunday (July 10).
Monkeypox has now been made a notifiable disease, meaning doctors and health officials must report to local authorities if a confirmed or suspected diagnosis is made in their area.
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The data shows that as of July 11, there were 1,735 confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 1,660 are in England.
It also includes a breakdown of cases in England by region, which demonstrates that a significant majority of cases are in London.
Current modelling shows #monkeypox cases are doubling every 15 days.
— Terrence Higgins Trust (@THTorguk) July 12, 2022
Today we're calling for urgent action from @UKHSA, @NHSEngland and @DHSCgovuk to do what's necessary to stop monkeypox becoming endemic in the UK, including properly resourcing the vaccination programme 👇 pic.twitter.com/1CDaxE96gV
Monkeypox surveillance data in England is currently compiled daily, based on monkeypox virus test results from the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) in UKHSA.
This is combined with case information recorded by local health protection teams in the UKHSA national case management system.
The UKHSA advises that anyone with a rash with blisters should contact a sexual health clinic if they have also had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have had monkeypox in the past three weeks.
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Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “While anyone can catch monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks.
“Before you go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters. If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician.
“It can take up to three weeks for symptoms to appear after being in contact with someone with monkeypox, so stay alert for symptoms after you have skin to skin or sexual contact with someone new.”
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A spokesman at Oxfordshire County Council said: “Monkeypox can affect anyone. The risk to the UK population remains low, but we are asking people to be alert to any new rashes or lesions on any part of their body.
“Although this advice applies to everyone, the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so we are asking these groups in particular to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.”
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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi
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