FSRH Statement on Detected Cases of Monkeypox

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected cases of monkeypox in England and Scotland with the first cases now recorded in Wales and Northern Ireland. According to UKHSA, a notable proportion of cases has been identified among gay and bisexual men. There is also potential symptom overlap with some common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, syphilis and dermatological presentations. As with any illness, monkeypox can affect anyone, not just LGBTQ+ people, and we call on everyone who has developed symptoms to get tested.

UKHSA is asking local areas to work with sexual health (SH) services and identify relevant channels, settings and events to display materials that would be accessed by this cohort, highlighting the signs, symptoms and actions to take.

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It is often a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone with monkeypox. Most of those infected will recover within a few weeks.

The symptoms of monkeypox include unusual rashes or lesions on the body such as the face or genital area; fever; muscle aches; chills and exhaustion; headaches; and swollen lymph nodes.

Latest updates on cases of monkeypox identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) can be found here.

Resources by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) can be accessed here.

The CAS alert can be found here.

Dr Helen Munro, Vice President, Clinical Quality, of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), said:

“It is crucial that everyone in need of sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH) continues to be able to access services. Monkeypox can affect anyone, not just LGBTQ+ people, and we call on everyone who has developed symptoms to get tested.

“The situation around Monkeypox is rapidly changing and we encourage members to follow the latest guidance from UKHSA on managing suspected cases and appropriate PPE. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV has published useful resources including operational documents.

“We will work with our partners across the sector to identify ways that we can support clinicians in the frontline as the situation develops.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Camila Azevedo, FSRH External Affairs Manager, at cazevedo@fsrh.org / 02037945309

About FSRH
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is the largest UK professional membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. It works with its 15,000 members, to shape sexual reproductive health for all. It produces evidence-based clinical guidance, standards, training, qualifications and research into SRH. It also delivers conferences and publishes the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health in partnership with the BMJ.