Health officials have issued an “urgent” call to virologists to help the “rapidly scaling-up” response to the monkeypox outbreak, The Independent has learned, as 11 new cases are confirmed in Britain.
In an email seen by The Independent, UK Health Security Agency head of laboratory business and operations, Louise Forster, said: “We are looking for regional ID, microbiology or virology consultants to join the monkeypox clinical cell.
The UKHSA confirmed 11 further cases on Friday, bringing the total in Britain up to 20.
Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton, said: “The monkeypox outbreak continues to escalate, and is undoubtedly worrying.
For example, this was used successfully during an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018/19, where close contacts were vaccinated as part of the public health response.”.
Mr Javid said: “Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against monkeypox.”.
The first case identified was in a person who had returned from Nigeria, but other cases are unrelated to travel, suggesting there is community transmission.
Several cases have been confirmed in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have attended sexual health services.
Jimmy Whitworth, Professor of International Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said the outbreak in the UK was “unprecedented”?
He said: “There is a need to engage with the at-risk community of gay and bisexual men to ensure they know about the presence of this infection and report any signs and symptoms to health facilities?
Eleven more cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the UK, bringing the total to 20
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