Cases of Monkeypox rise by over 70 in England in biggest increase since disease first identified in UK

More than 70 further cases of monkeypox have been detected in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency, the biggest increase since the disease was first identified in the UK. The latest update revealed that 71 cases of the disease had been detected as of May 29, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 172 in England since May 7.

There are four confirmed cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales, taking the UK total to 179. The figures come after the UKHSA, as well as authorities in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales issued joint guidance to stem the spread of the disease.

The new advice urges those with monkeypox to avoid close contact with others until their lesions have healed and any scabs have dried off. And people who have had contact with someone with the disease should also be risk assessed and may be told to isolate for 21 days if necessary.

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The guidance, updated on Monday, said people with suspected or confirmed monkeypox who need to travel in order to seek care should make sure any lesions are covered by clothing, wear a face covering, and avoid public transport where possible. They should also abstain from sex from the first signs of symptoms and make sure to use condoms for eight weeks after infection.

It comes after hospitals in Greater Manchester were understood to be preparing for any cases to arise in the region, according to senior NHS sources. There are 'plans in place' to deal with any diagnoses that surface in Greater Manchester, and the city's hospital leaders say they are 'watching case numbers very closely'.

The disease, first found in monkeys, can be transmitted