Monkeypox: 71 more cases detected in England as UK total jumps to 179

A further 71 cases of monkeypox have been detected in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The latest cases, as of May 29, bring the total number confirmed in England since May 7 to 172.

There are four confirmed cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, taking the UK total to 179.

The figures come after the UKHSA, as well as authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales issued joint guidance to stem the spread of the disease.

The new advice urges those with monkeypox to avoid close contact with others until their lesions have healed and any scabs have dried off.

People who have had contact with someone with the disease should also be risk assessed and may be told to isolate for 21 days if necessary.

The guidance, updated on Monday, said people with suspected or confirmed monkeypox who need to travel in order to seek care should make sure any lesions are covered by clothing, wear a face covering, and avoid public transport where possible.

They should also abstain from sex from the first signs of symptoms and make sure to use condoms for eight weeks after infection.

The disease, first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact, including sexual intercourse, and is caused by the monkeypox virus.

The virus is usually found in west and central Africa.

Symptoms are generally mild and the illness is spread through close contact with someone already infected.

Most people recover within a few weeks.

The UKHSA said that while the risk to the UK population remains low, people should be alert to any new rashes or lesions, which would appear like spots, ulcers or blisters, on any part of their body.

Although this advice applies to everyone, the agency said the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so is asking those people in particular to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.