In the UK, monkeypox have different symptoms from the previous outbreak in the UK and other parts of the world, according to The Lancet Infectious Disease.
The study says that previously the monkeypox cases had been found in the person linked with west Africa, but now the cases are reported by individuals who are attending sexual health clinics.
The study analyse 54 patients who were diagnosed with monkeypox and visited sexual health clinics in London between May 14 and May 25, 2022.
The study found that around 94% of patients have skin lesions in the anogenital area, 89% of patients have skin lesions affecting more than one anatomical site and 7% have oropharyngeal lesions. 30 of 54 individuals have lymphadenopathy. The study also found that one in four patients of the virus is infected with STIs and 24% of patients have HIV.
The study noted that a high proportion of STIs and anogenital symptoms suggest that these are transmitted by close skin-to-skin or mucosal contact, during sexual activity.
Experts from the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said that the definition of cases should be reviewed to cut the possibility of unnoticed cases as the virus can behave or imitate other common STIs such as herpes and syphilis.
DR. Nicolo Girometti from the Trust said that the monkeypox virus is a new diagnosis with a sexual health angle and the study will help to find future cases and their cure.
In 54 patients included in the study, 60% of them reported cases in the UK between May 14 and May 25, 2022. And two individuals didn’t know whether they have been in contact with any infected person or not and they have not visited any sub-Saharan country, although many of them travelled to other European countries in recent times.
Previously the symptoms of monkeypox were chiefly fever and tiredness. Monkeypox pox usually causes fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.
WHO says that the virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. It is found in the tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa.
