Four new cases of monkeypox virus have been reported in the UK. The first patient had traveled to the UK from Nigeria. None of the new infections are thought to be linked to the trip to Africa, MailOnline reported. The rare disease is spread by wild animals in parts of western or central Africa.
NUMBER INCREASED
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that a case had been found in the UK on 7 May. With newly detected cases confirmed, the total number of cases in the UK is expected to rise to 12.
It is stated that the disease, which is extremely rare, is not easily transmitted between people. However, it can be transmitted through contact from clothing or linen used by an infected patient.
More than 50 people were warned in 2018 that they may have contracted the disease.
SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE
Direct contact with scabs or rashes from the monkeypox virus, or with a person who is coughing or sneezing, can spread the virus.
Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, fatigue, pain, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
The rash usually spreads from the face to the entire body about five days after the fever appears before crusting.
It is stated that the symptoms are usually mild and most people improve within a few weeks after receiving treatment.
Although most deaths occur in younger age groups, it is stated that it has a mortality rate of between one and 10 percent.