UK case of monkeypox in returning traveller from Nigeria
The UK have reported that there has been a recent case of monkeypox in a returning traveller from Nigeria.
Nigeria continues to report cases of monkeypox since 2017. According to the latest data from Nigeria CDC (Sep 2019), a total of 81 suspected cases have been reported so far in 2019, of which 39 confirmed cases were recorded in nine states (Bayelsa, Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Akwa ibom, Enugu, Anambra, Cross River, and Oyo) and one death. Since September 2017, Nigeria has reported 176 confirmed monkeypox cases and nine deaths in 18 states.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by monkeypox virus and has been reported mainly in central and West African countries.
- It does not spread easily between people and the risk to the general public is low.
- It is usually a self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.
- Initial symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.
Advice on prevention
There are number of measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus:
- Avoid contact with animals that could have the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
- Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.
- Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If you are a healthcare worker or caring for someone who is sick:
- Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
- Practice good hand hygiene after contact with anyone suspected of infection. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
What to do if unwell?
Make contact with the health service as you would do under normal circumstances. However, also mention any recent travel to Nigeria in case you have an infection related to travel e.g. malaria or very unlikely monkeypox.
Those who have had close contact with a patient with confirmed monkeypox will be contacted by Public Health and offered advice and monitoring as necessary.
Further guidance is available from Public Health England.