Monkeypox Hits Thanet and Medway: Cases Rise in England
Monkeypox is making waves in Kent, with official figures confirming suspected cases in Thanet and Medway. Since June 8, GPs and labs must report any signs of the virus, now a notifiable disease, to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Suspected Cases Under-Reported, Experts Warn
Infectious diseases like measles and scarlet fever must be logged with local health teams, but suspected monkeypox numbers lag behind confirmed cases. This suggests more infections could be under the radar in these hotspots.
- One suspected monkeypox case in Medway last week
- Two suspected cases in Thanet over the same period
- 32 monkeypox cases reported across England as of June 26
- No Kent cases reported the previous week
Scarlet Fever and TB Also On The Rise in Kent
Alongside monkeypox, Kent sees eight suspected scarlet fever cases, spread across Ashford, Canterbury, Gravesham, Shepway, Swale, and Tunbridge Wells. Tuberculosis has also popped up, with two cases in Gravesham and Thanet.
Health Chiefs Warn: Stay Vigilant This Summer
“The monkeypox outbreak is spreading, with over a thousand confirmed so far,” says UKHSA incident director Dr Sophia Makki. “We expect numbers to keep climbing in the coming weeks.”
Dr Makki urges those hitting big events or with new sexual partners to watch for symptoms and get tested fast. “Men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with men make up most cases, but anyone with close contact to symptoms is at risk.”
If you suspect monkeypox, avoid socialising, sleepovers, and sex. Stay home and contact 111 or your local sexual health clinic immediately. Thanks go to all who have stepped up to test and assist with contact tracing.
