Oldham’s monkeypox cases have been confirmed to rise for the first time.

It comes as Health Secretary Thérèse Coffey was condemned by sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust for choosing not to procure 70,000 extra doses of the vaccine.

Case numbers in Oldham had remained at between one and four since local data began to be published in August.

Now, cases in Oldham have officially risen to five – the first confirmed rise.

Nationwide, cases continue to fall.

The government says the UK has enough vaccine to give two doses to everybody at the highest risk.

Chair of Oldham Pride Reverend David Austin said: “It is worrying that local sexual health units are not stocked with the vaccines needed to combat monkeypox - which will only spread without preventative measures in place.

“I phoned the HCRG Care group yesterday to enquire on local provision and was informed that the ICC (sexual health unit) on New Radcliffe Street, OL1, had no vaccines available and were operating a waiting list, but they were unable to tell me when vaccines would be available.”

Vaccinations are still available to be booked by eligible Oldhamers at some clinics, including in Stockport.

Dr Anna Trelfa, from UKHSA North West, said: “It is encouraging that the number of new monkeypox cases in the UK continues to fall, however the outbreak in the UK and around the world is not over.

"We are still seeing a small number of cases across the North West being reported.

“We are grateful to everyone who has followed advice about potential symptoms, isolated as part of this outbreak or come forward for a vaccination to help limit transmission.

“Prioritising vaccine stock where possible for second doses for those at highest risk will help us maximise protection and interrupt transmission. When people are called forward for vaccination, please take up the offer.

“We would urge you to remember to regularly check yourself for symptoms such as rashes and blisters, particularly if you have had new sexual partners recently and before you have sex with new partners.

“If you do have symptoms, please take a break from sex, and call 111 or a sexual health clinic. Symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear.”

The Oldham Times: Monkeypox symptomsMonkeypox symptoms (Image: UKHSA)

A government spokesperson said: “The UK has enough doses of the monkeypox vaccine to offer everybody at highest risk two doses.

“We acted immediately to tackle the spread of Monkeypox, moving early to secure 150,000 vaccines amid global shortages and rapidly deploying jabs to those most at risk.

“While cases are falling in the UK, we are not complacent, and we continue to encourage people to remain vigilant and take up the offer of a vaccine if offered.

"We continue to monitor the situation and decisions about future supply will be made and communicated in the usual way.”

Oldham Council referred to the UKHSA statement.

Vaccine eligibility requirements

The vaccine is available to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as trans women and non-binary people, at the highest risk of getting monkeypox.

For example, if people have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend "sex on premises" venues, people with a recent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and those eligible for PrEP (the preventative drug for HIV transmission), people who have had recent close contact with someone infected with monkeypox, and healthcare workers caring for and due to start caring for a patient with the virus.

People will be eligible if they fit these requirements and have previously used one of the following providers in Greater Manchester.

Unlike some previous walk-in clinics, those who last used the service more than 12 months ago won’t be ineligible.

Sexual health services

HCRG Care Group

  • Oldham Integrated Care Centre
  • Glodwick Primary Care Centre
  • Royton Health and Wellbeing Centre
  • Failsworth Primary Care Centre (all Oldham)
  • Nye Bevan House
  • Croft Shifa Health Centre
  • Middleton Health Centre
  • Heywood Clinic (all Rochdale)
  • Bury Townside Primary Care Centre
  • Radcliffe Primary Care Centre

Locala

  • The Choices Centre (Stockport)
  • The Orange Rooms (Tameside)

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

  • Bolton Centre for Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Shine Sexual Health Service (Salford)

The Northern

  • Hathersage Centre
  • North Manchester General Hospital
  • Withington Community Hospital
  • Trafford Sexual Health Service (Trafford and Urmston clinics)

Also:

  • Spectrum Community Health CIC (Wigan)

General Practice (GPs)

  • The Docs, Manchester

How monkeypox is transmitted

  • Any close physical contact with monkeypox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).
  • Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with monkeypox.
  • The coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you.

Monkeypox signs and symptoms

According to the NHS, it can take between five and 21 days for symptoms to appear after you first get infected with monkeypox.

Symptoms include:

  • a high temperature
  • a headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • swollen glands
  • shivering (chills)
  • exhaustion
  • joint pain

A rash, which is sometimes confused with chickenpox, usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms, often beginning on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals, and anus.

How to protect yourself

  • Clean your hands regularly with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Know the symptoms if you’re sexually active, especially with new partners. Talk to partners about their sexual health and remember symptoms can take three weeks to develop, so keep checking yourself.
  • Swap contact details if hooking up with someone new.
  • If you have symptoms, take a break from all intimate contact (including kissing) until you’ve seen a doctor and had the all-clear. If you’re recovering from monkeypox infection, remember to use condoms for 12 weeks as a precaution.

What to do if you think you might have it or could get it

Those who think they have monkeypox or have come into contact with someone who has monkeypox should isolate and can find information on Oldham’s Sexual Health Hub or call the Sexual Health Hub on 0300 303 8565. Information is also available on the NHS website.