London: UK health authorities have confirmed a case of ‘monkeypox’, which spreads from infected animals such as rats to humans, in a person with a recent Nigerian travel history where they are believed to have caught it. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily among people and is usually a mild self-limiting disease and most people recover within a few weeks. However, in some cases serious illness can occur.Also read – The UK will announce new visas to attract talented university graduates. No job offer required. Check who can apply
The UKHSA’s director of clinical and emerging infections, Dr. It is important to emphasize that monkeypox does not spread easily among people and that the overall risk to the general public is very low, Colin Brown said Saturday. “We are working with NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) to provide the necessary assessment and advice to individuals who have had close contact with the case before confirming their infection. The UKHSA and NHS have well-established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with imported infectious disease cases and will be strictly adhered to, “he said. Also read – India can transport Western military equipment to Russia: report
The patient is being treated by specialist clinical staff at St. Thomas Hospital with strict infection prevention procedures, added Dr. Nicholas Price, an infectious disease consultant at Guy and St. Thomas Hospital. As a precautionary measure, UKHSA experts said they were working closely with the UK’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS) and would contact people in close contact with the person for information and health advice. This includes contacting a number of passengers traveling in close proximity to the patient on a similar flight to the UK. Also read – Cambridge University launches new free foundation course
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
- Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and fatigue.
- The rash may develop, often starting on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body.
- The spots change and go through various stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.
How is the virus spread?
- It is spread when a person is in close contact with an infected person. The virus can enter the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- The NHS said the infection could be caught by infected wild animals in parts of West and Central Africa and was believed to be transmitted by rats.
- The UKHSA states that people without symptoms are not considered infected but, as a precaution, those close to an infected passenger are being contacted to make sure they can be treated quickly if they become ill.
