UK issues guidance to tackle monkeypox transmission
Health authorities in Britain issued new guidance to control the spread of the monkeypox virus in the country.
The guidance, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as well as its counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sets out measures for healthcare professionals and the public for managing the disease.
They also set up ways of preventing further transmission as community transmission is occurring here in the UK and other countries.
Latest official figures show there are now more than 100 confirmed cases in Britain.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said globally there are 257 cases confirmed and 120 suspected cases in 23 countries where the virus is not endemic.
Included in the new guidance is for people to abstain from having sex while symptomatic with monkeypox.
“There is currently no available evidence of monkeypox in genital excretions. But as a precaution, cases are advised to use condoms for eight weeks after infection,” the guidance stated. “People who have possible, probable or confirmed monkeypox are to isolate at home, if they remain well enough. Contacts of someone with monkeypox will also be risk assessed and will isolate for 21 days if necessary.”
Guidance has also been issued to doctors, nurses and health staff detailing the minimum recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff working with confirmed cases.
UKHSA said it had also purchased over 20,000 doses of a safe smallpox vaccine, which are being offered to identify close contacts of people diagnosed with monkeypox to reduce the risk of symptomatic infection and severe illness.
“This new monkeypox guidance sets out important measures for healthcare professionals and the public for managing the disease including how to safely isolate at home and reduce the risk to others,” Ruth Milton, Senior Medical Advisor and monkeypox Strategic Response Director at UKHSA said. “The highest risk of the highest risk of transmission is through direct contact with someone with monkeypox. The risk to the UK population remains low.”
(Xinhua/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 1
Saraki to be arraigned July 22 for alleged defamatory remarks against Gov. Abdulrazaq
The court adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, when Mr Saraki is expected to take his plea after formal arraignment.
States
Lagos hosts South-West workshop on women’s affairs policy
The event brought together representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti.
States
Gov Makinde appoints Olatoye as executive assistant on BESDA
Mr Makinde congratulated him and urged him to be loyal to the state.
Anti-Corruption
Despite FG’s denial, documents show the accountant-general’s office posted foreign affairs officials to PFIPC
The OAGF had also warned that failure by affected officers to comply with the posting directive would attract sanctions.
States
My administration committed to expanding access to clean water in Enugu: Gov Mbah
Mr Mbah said access to clean water remained a top priority of his administration, describing it as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
Abuja
ACCI appoints pioneer deputy director-general to boost service delivery
Mr Obegolu said the appointment took effect on July 1, 2026, and would help to deepen ACCI’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.
