At the last count, there were close to 200 cases of registered monkeypox cases in the UK. While this is miniscule in a population of close to 70 million, the reality is the number is much higher. Monkeypox is a viral infection originating in Africa. It comes in two variants, one from central and one from western Africa; the one permeating through British society is the west African variant.
Despite the concern around monkeypox, it is important to note three key points.
Firstly, this is not another coronavirus; there will be no large-scale restrictions implemented.
Secondly, the west African variant is the least deadly and most treatable form of the condition.
Thirdly, the UK has seen monkeypox before and as a result of Covid, is hyper-attentive to any new cases or mutations in the virus.
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However, this doesn’t mean one should write monkeypox off.
One issue rising to the surface is monkeypox’s similarity in appearance to another infection, shingles.
The main similarity is both cause a painful rash.
While shingles causes a reddish rash, the one caused by monkeypox leads to spots that become filled with fluid and pus.
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Meanwhile, as a precaution the UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency) has said those diagnosed with monkeypox should self-isolate for three weeks.
As patients self-isolate, governments around the world are buying doses of the smallpox vaccine.
Research has shown the smallpox vaccine is highly effective at reducing the transmission of monkeypox.
Governments are buying up doses of the vaccine as a contingency measure in case monkeypox cases rise further.
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