ADVICE has been given to Warrington residents amid concerns over the spread of monkeypox in the UK.

A number of monkeypox cases have been detected in the UK, but there have been no confirmed cases in Warrington as of yet.

Human transmission of the tropical disease is usually rare, and as such, it does not spread easily between people and the overall risk to the general public is very low.

However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that while it is a rare disease, it remains important to ‘keep an eye on it’ following a spate of cases.

As of Friday, May 20, the UK Health Security Agency had identified 20 cases of the disease in England, with more expected.

Symptoms include a fever, headaches, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion.

A rash can also develop, often beginning on the face and spreading to other body parts such as the genitals, going through different stages from looking like chickenpox to scabbing and later falling off.

In a statement, Warrington Borough Council said: “Our public health team is working with partners including the UKHSA and our local Axess sexual health service to ensure we are providing the correct information around prevention to reduce the risk of transmission.

Warrington Guardian: The stages of Monkeypox (Image: UK Health Security Agency/PA)The stages of Monkeypox (Image: UK Health Security Agency/PA)

“Although the latest cases identified in the UK have predominantly affected men who have sex with men, monkeypox has not previously been defined as a sexually transmitted infection.

“Transmission generally takes place due to very close contact, including skin to skin, via shared clothing or linen, or through respiratory transmission. The UKSHA is currently investigating the reasons for the rise in cases.

“Monkeypox, although usually mild, can cause serious illness, however most people will recover within a few weeks. There are a few practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of transmission.

“This includes practicing good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze, and avoiding sharing clothing or linen with others, particularly if they have symptoms.

“It is important for anyone who is having changes in sexual partners regularly, or having close contact with individuals that they do not know, to seek advice if they develop a rash or any other symptoms.”

If you are concerned that you could be infected with monkeypox, please contact NHS 111 or your local sexual health clinic.

Warrington’s Axess service can be contacted on 0300 323 1300 and you should call ahead to discuss your symptoms prior to any visit.