London: The UK government on Friday said it was stocking up on smallpox vaccines to help guard against a rise in cases of monkeypox, a viral infection similar to smallpox.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it has detected 11 additional cases of monkeypox in England, which takes the total number of confirmed cases for the country since early this month to 20.
“Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against monkeypox,” said UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid, in an update from the G7 Health Ministers meeting on Friday.
The infection can be passed on through close contact or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.
However, the UKHSA stressed that the virus does not usually spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population remains low. Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, are being urged to call the National Health Service (NHS) on 111.
—PTI

Press Trust of India