Health bosses have reminded residents of the importance of vaccination after cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, rose for the third month in a row.
Fewer than 10 new cases were reported nationwide in December 2023, following a peak of 31 in November, according to the UKHSA.
Total English cases rose by 15 in March, the highest this year so far, according to data released on April 4, 2024.
Greater Manchester’s health bosses said numbers remained ‘really low’ in the region, but that vaccination remained important.
Currently, smallpox vaccines, which protect against the mpox virus, are only available to those eligible in Greater Manchester and London.
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Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at UKHSA, said: “It’s important to remember that mpox has not gone away and although these are still low numbers, it’s vital that all those eligible for the vaccine come forward – which is still available in London and Greater Manchester.
“While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms including unusual rashes and blisters, a fever and headache, so it’s important people remain alert to the risks.”
Across the UK, there have been 3,908 confirmed or highly probable mpox cases since May 6, 2022, according to UKHSA.
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Those eligible for the vaccine include gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men who have multiple sexual partners, participate in group sex or who attend sex on premises venues. Staff who work in these premises are also eligible.
You can find out how to book a vaccine at your nearest clinic through the NHS national service finder.
Analysis carried out by UKHSA indicates that one dose of the vaccine has an 84 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed the disease from ‘monkeypox’ to ‘mpox’ after ‘racist and stigmatising language’ was reported.
Jane Pilkington, director of population health for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “The number of mpox cases in Greater Manchester are extremely low and we have seen little change so far this year.
“This is in part due to high numbers of people getting vaccinated during our big mpox vaccination push which took place summer 2022 to summer 2023 and fewer confirmed cases nationally.
“However, to maintain these low numbers, people should make sure they know what the signs and symptoms are – especially when travelling abroad – and remember that it’s never too late to book a vaccine using the national service finder to find when and where this can be done.
“If you’re infected with mpox, symptoms usually start five to 21 days later, and often get better by themselves over two to four weeks.
“These symptoms can include: unusual rashes or lesions (blisters) on the body including mouth, genitals, and anus; flu-like symptoms including muscle and back aches, shivering (chills) and tiredness; a high temperature; swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin and anal or rectal pain.
“It is also worth remembering that mpox can be passed on from person to person in a number of ways, including: any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands); touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox; and the coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox when they’re close to you.
“If you are worried that you may have mpox, please call ahead before attending a health care centre to help reduce the chance of spreading the virus.”
How mpox (monkeypox) is transmitted
- Any close physical contact with monkeypox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).
- Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox.
- The coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you.
Mpox (monkeypox) signs and symptoms
According to the NHS, it can take between five and 21 days for symptoms to appear after you first get infected with mpox.
Symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- joint pain
A rash, which is sometimes confused with chickenpox, usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms, often beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals, and anus.
How to protect yourself
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Know the symptoms if you’re sexually active, especially with new partners. Talk to partners about their sexual health and remember symptoms can take three weeks to develop, so keep checking yourself.
- Swap contact details if hooking up with someone new.
- If you have symptoms, take a break from all intimate contact (including kissing) until you’ve seen a doctor and had the all-clear. If you’re recovering from an mpox infection, remember to use condoms for 12 weeks as a precaution.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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