Seven cases of the rare monkey pox have been diagnosed in England in the past two weeks. It is not known how people contracted the virus. Until now, it has been assumed that the disease is transmitted through close contact, through open wounds, or through droplet infection. However, experts say sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for the outbreak in Britain – they have provided evidence for this.
The fact that four of the seven cases involved gay or bisexual men is a clear indication that sex plays an important role in transmission, epidemiologist Mateo Prochazka wrote on Twitter. He is an STD expert and head of the UK health authority’s team investigating cases of monkey pox.
Distribution in “sexual networks”
Sex as a transmission route for monkeypox has never been described, but the high number of cases in the LGBT community strongly suggests a spread “in sexual networks,” Prochazka continued. “This is also suggested by the fact that only two of the four most recent cases were found to have shared contacts.” He added that this means that although the virus can be transmitted through sex, it is not the primary route of transmission.
This is a new transmission path “that will have an impact on the response to the outbreak and the containment of the virus,” explains the doctor. Only the first case of the disease, which is rare in Britain, has been a person likely contracted it in Nigeria. The others probably only contracted the virus in the country. This is rare and will now be investigated soon, Prochazka said.
Expert warns against discrimination
The scientist wants to prevent possible discrimination against members of the LGBT community. It is now necessary “to act against the discourse that increases inequality and stigma”. “In fact, this may be the first time that monkeypox transmission through sexual contact has been documented, although this has not yet been confirmed,” said Dr. Michael Head, global health expert at the University of Southampton, quoted by The Telegraph.
However, other scientists are concerned about the sexually transmitted monkeypox theory. “I would like to be careful at this point before concluding that monkeypox has recently turned into an STD,” François Balloux, infectious disease expert and director of the UCL Genetics Institute.
Low risk for general population
According to the British health authority UKHSA, the rare viral disease usually causes only mild symptoms, but can also be serious. Only symptomatic patients with close contact are contagious. The authority estimates the risk to the general population to be low. Symptoms include a rash that first appears on the face and then mainly affects the hands and feet. Gay and bisexual men are now urged to pay particular attention to unusual rashes or sores on any part of the body, especially the genitals.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
