The monkeypox outbreaks in Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom continue to expand. The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced today it had detected two additional cases of monkeypox.
This news indicated the U.K. had confirmed nine monkeypox cases in May 2022.
Separately, local media reported that on May 18, 2022, Portugal's Health Ministry confirmed five monkeypox cases, and it is studying more than 20 suspicious cases in the Lisbon region.
And in Spain, Madrid health authorities issued a media alert after (23) men showed monkeypox symptoms and are working to determine a final diagnosis.
Monkeypox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact.
The UKHSA advises individuals, particularly gay, bisexual, or MSM, to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions and contact a sexual health service if they have concerns.
Monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.
It can also be passed on through other close contacts with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox, says the UKHSA.
Dr. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, commented in a media statement issued on May 18, 2022, "These latest cases, together with reports of cases in countries across Europe, confirm our initial concerns that there could be spread of monkeypox within our communities."
"We are particularly urging men who are gay and bisexual to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact a sexual health service without delay if they have concerns."
"We are contacting any identified close contacts of the cases to provide health information and advice."
And clinicians should be aware of individuals presenting with rashes without a precise alternative diagnosis and should contact specialist services for advice.
From a prevention perspective, there are two U.S. FDA-approved vaccines that are generally available to military personnel.
- JYNNEOS (MVA-BN) Smallpox (Monkeypox) Vaccine - is the only FDA-approved non-replicating smallpox and monkeypox vaccine for non-military use.
- ACAM2000 Smallpox Vaccine - is a live vaccinia virus, a replication-competent vaccine, to protect against smallpox disease. The ACAM2000 vaccine does not contain variola and cannot cause smallpox.
Additional monkeypox outbreak news is posted at Vax-Before-Travel.
Notes: As of May 18, 2022, the U.S. CDC has not confirmed any monkeypox cases.
And this information was manually curated for mobile readership.
Update: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today confirmed a single case of monkeypox virus infection in an adult male with recent travel to Canada.