Monkeypox outbreak in SW: signs, symptoms and disease management

The South West regional health authorities have said that two cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the region and more are expected in the coming weeks.

The disease was first confirmed in May 2022 when a cluster of cases were found in the United Kingdom after a first case was detected in London on 6 May 2022 in a patient with a recent travel history from Nigeria.

People with monkeypox get a rash that may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face or mouth.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. Other symptoms of monkeypox can include: fever, chills,swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle aches, backache, headache and respiratory symptoms.

Sometimes, people have flu-like symptoms before the rash while others get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash.

Monkeypox symptoms usually start within 3 weeks of exposure to the virus and the illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

Getting vaccinated if you were exposed to monkeypox or are at higher risk of being exposed to monkeypox can help protect you and your community.

Prevent the spread of monkeypox by having safer sex, social gatherings and learning how you can make informed choices when in spaces or situations where monkeypox could be spread.