The disease was previously not thought to be sexually transmitted, however the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that four of the cases involve men having sex with other men.
Until now scientists had thought that monkeypox was rarely transmitted between humans and that this was through close contact with carriers, but it was not among the sexually transmitted diseases.
The initial case in the UK diagnosed two weeks ago had contracted the virus in Nigeria, where the disease is endemic. The remaining six carriers probably caught the virus on British soil, in a development described as "unusual."
The seven cases are in Greater London and one in the Newcastle area. Three of the patients are still hospitalised.
The West African version of the virus[/B] from which all seven patients are suffering is not particularly lethal and carriers make a full recovery after a few weeks. UK health authorities believe that any outbreak of the disease in the country will not number many cases.
UKHSA chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins, however, in a letter to the regional administrations of the national NHS health system says that investigations into the circumstances of the apparent transmission of monkeypox in the community are being accelerated.
"We particularly urge gay and bisexual men to be aware of any unusual rashes or sores and to contact a sexual health service without delay," the letter said."
Monkeypox is a viral infection commonly found in forested areas of west and central Africa. It is transmitted by small mammals and can affect residents of these areas who come into contact with these animals.
Source: CNA
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