Monkeypox UK – The monkeypox outbreak of 2022 was a shock to the United Kingdom and most Western countries in the world. Even though we have recorded some cases of the monkeypox virus in the last few years, all of those cases had some kind of connection with the African continent.
For example, three cases of the monkeypox virus were reported in June 2021, and all of those cases had a travel history to Nigeria. The latest outbreak of 2022 came as a shock as the United Kingdom became the center and origin of the virus.
The first few hundred cases of the monkeypox virus were toggle last in the United Kingdom, and after that, it started spreading in the whole world.
At first glance, any person might feel that what is the big deal, but it is a big deal as health experts and most governments around the world believe that monkeypox viruses are just limited to some African countries where they don’t take good care of sentence stations.
Let’s talk a little bit more about the virus and try to find out how you can ensure your safety in this situation. We will also talk about everything related to monkeypox in the United Kingdom.
What is the Monkeypox Virus?
Let’s make some things clear before we move ahead and talk about everything related to the monkeypox virus. A huge number of people have been criticizing the LGBTQ community and men who have intercourse with other men for starting a new virus. But, that is not true.
Monkeypox was first recorded back in the 1950s when two colonies of monkeys kept for research purposes started showing symptoms like a pox disease because the virus was discovered in the colonies of monkeys that is why the new virus was named monkeypox virus.
The first human case of the monkeypox virus was recorded back in the 1970s in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, every health expert in the world believes that viruses are just limited to African countries, where they have recorded several outfits.
The latest outbreak of the monkeypox virus shocked every health expert in the world as it has started spreading in Western countries where governments take good care of sanitization.
Rumors and fake information regarding the monkeypox virus
The latest outbreak of the monkeypox virus 2022 has also invited a huge number of rumors and fake information.
On several social media platforms, you can clearly see that people are blaming the LGBTQ community, especially men who have intercourse with other men, for starting a new virus.
This claim is not true at all. As you can read in the above-given section, health experts around the world have known about the monkeypox virus for a very long time.
Apart from that, it is not just limited to the LGBTQ community or men who have intercourse with other men. The virus can affect anyone. In fact, the first case of the monkeypox virus ever recorded was in a child.
Another rumor and wrong information spreading on several social media platforms is that the monkeypox virus is a sexually transmitted disease or infection.
That rumor word misinformation is also somewhat wrong. You can get infected with the monkeypox virus if you have intercourse with anyone infected with the same, but it is not just limited to sexual activities. You can get infected with the monkeypox virus if you get in touch with a person or animal infected with the virus.
Lastly, the monkeypox virus is not spread by monkeys. The health experts gave the virus the name monkeypox virus because it was first discovered in the colonies of monkeys kept for research, but it is not being spread by The Monkeys. Any infected animal can spread it, and it is not just limited to monkeys. Your pet dog or cat can also infect you if they are already infected with the virus.
Monkeypox UK Tracker
To ensure your safety, the National Health Service suggests everyone keep an eye on the monkeypox UK tracker. This tracker will help you ensure your safety along with the safety of your friends and family from the virus.
Till now, the United Kingdom has recorded 3195 cases of the monkeypox virus, which started back on 15th May 2022.
England has recorded 3050 cases of the monkeypox virus since 15th May 2022.
Scotland has recorded 75 cases of the monkeypox virus since 15th May 2022.
Wales has recorded 43 cases of the monkeypox virus since 15th May 2022.
Northern Ireland has recorded 27 cases of the monkeypox virus since 15th May 2022.
In the United Kingdom, only London has recorded more than 2140 cases of monkeypox virus since 15th May 2022. Some regions, including Northern Ireland, northeast England, East Midlands, and Wales, have not yet reached the mark 50.
In case you are in London then you should take good care of yourself and follow all the precautions.
Transmission of Virus
Those who want to ensure their safety against the virus should learn everything about the transmission of the monkeypox virus. These points of transmission are not just limited to the United Kingdom.
You could follow the below-given points to ensure your safety even if you are traveling in African countries or countries like Spain United States, where the cases of monkeypox are rising at a rapid pace.
- Anyone can get infected with the monkeypox virus if they come in contact with someone infected with a virus.
- Monkeypox virus can be transmitted by humans and animals both.
- The virus can also spread through sexual intercourse, kissing, or holding hands with someone infected with the virus.
- There is a probability that you can get infected with the monkeypox virus if the infected person is coughing or sneezing around you, as the virus can travel through sneezing in a limited range.
- Be very careful while helping any infected human or animal. Any of their personal belongings, utensils, or clothing can spread the virus.
- You can get infected with the monkeypox virus if you have been bitten from scratch by the infected animal.
- You should be very careful around infected rodents, including rats, mice, and squirrels.
- Uncooked meat or meat of infected animals can also spread the virus.
Top Symptoms of Monkeypox Virus
Before we move ahead, let’s first discuss the top symptoms of the monkeypox virus. These symptoms are going to be similar in every country in the world, including the United Kingdom.
As per the health service, a person infected with the monkeypox virus can experience the below-given list of symptoms.
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chill
- exhaustion
- Joint pain
There is a probability that we might not experience more than one symptom once we get infected with the virus. Apart from all that, an infected person might also experience some anal pain and bleeding from the bottom.
In case you are also experiencing any of the above-given symptoms, then you should consult with your health care provider, as you might also be infected with the virus. The monkeypox virus is not as infectious as COVID-19, but you can get infected, and you should be very careful.
Treatment of Monkeypox in the UK
Before we wrap this session, let’s take a quick look at the treatment options for monkeypox in the UK. Similar to the whole world, there are not many treatment options available for the monkeypox virus in the United Kingdom.
The best part about the monkeypox virus is that people get better within a few days once they start developing symptoms of the virus. Most people don’t even require any hospitalization as they can recover from the virus sitting in their homes.
In some cases, the symptoms of the monkeypox virus can get severe, and it becomes very important in those cases to get treatment for the virus as early as possible.
Young children, old people, and people who already have a medical condition might require immediate medical assistance as soon as they get infected with the virus.
One thing you should keep in mind is that anyone who gets diagnosed with the monkeypox virus in your family should be kept in isolation. Close contact with an infected person can transmit the virus and infect others.
On the directions from the National Health Service, your healthcare provider might suggest you go for the vaccine for the monkeypox virus once you have been diagnosed with the same.
The vaccine for the monkeypox virus can also work if you have already been diagnosed with the virus. Your health expert might use it as a treatment for the virus. Apart from that, there are some antivirals that can help you, but all the treatment options are available on prescription.
What to do if anyone tested positive for monkeypox in the UK?
The National Health Service suggests everyone isolate themselves if they test positive for the monkeypox virus in the United Kingdom. Apart from that, you can also let your doctor know about your current status, and your doctor will further inform the authorities. You might also have to inform everyone around you that you have tested positive for the virus.
