Monkeypox warning: Brits traveling to Glastonbury told to watch for symptoms

Today the UK Health Security Agency announced a further 46 cases in England, three more in Scotland and one more in Wales as the virus is not yet claiming life

Health chiefs have issued a monkeypox alert for Brits traveling to Glastonbury and other festivals to keep an eye out for symptoms while enjoying themselves.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today reminded people heading to festivals and summer events to watch out for the virus.

This comes as it was revealed that a further 46 cases had been discovered in England, along with three more in Scotland and another in Wales.

As of yesterday, the total number of confirmed cases in the UK increases to 574.

The body’s warning comes ahead of next week’s festival, one of the highlights of the music calendar.

Health chiefs warned festival-goers to watch out for the symptoms, especially if they’ve had multiple or new sexual partners.

They said anyone can get monkeypox, but it was particularly prevalent among men who are gay, bisexual, or who have sex with other men.

The most noticeable symptoms of the virus are a rash or blisters.

dr William Welfare, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “With monkeypox case numbers continuing to rise and with many summer events and festivals ahead, we are reminding people to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you have recently had new or multiple sexual partners to prevent further spread and protect others.

“If you have a blistered rash or other monkeypox symptoms, do not go to events, meet friends, or have sexual contact.

“Instead, stay home and call 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.

“Please contact the clinic before your visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a doctor.

“UKHSA is working closely with partners across the country, including promoters and venues, to raise public awareness of monkeypox symptoms so that everyone can have a safe, happy and healthy summer.”

England leads the way with 550 confirmed cases with the vast majority of cases in the UK, Scotland has just 16 with six in Wales and two in Northern Ireland.

The UKHSA advised the following to contact a sexual health clinic:

• Any Briton who has a rash and has been in close contact, including sex, with someone who may have or may have monkeypox
• Anyone with a rash who has been in Central or West Africa in the last three weeks

The virus is not new, having existed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the 1970s, but in recent months it has made the leap to Europe and the West, raising alarms.

So far, no deaths from the virus have been reported.

In recent months, the virus has been identified in several western countries, including the UK, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Canada and the United States.