A new rise in Oldham’s monkeypox cases has been recorded.

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

But data released on Tuesday, October 4 showed the first confirmed rise in Oldham’s case numbers to five.

Now, cases have risen again, according to new data released on Tuesday, October 18.

Oldham was one of 15 local areas across England to see a rise, with one more case.

This means six cases in total have now been recorded in Oldham – or about 0.02 cases per 1,000 people.

The London Borough of Hackney and the City of London, recorded as one area, saw three more cases, as did the London Borough of Southwark – the highest local rises in England.

Manchester saw two more cases reocrded, taking its total up to 64 cases, or 0.12 per 1,000 people.

Oldham was one of 12 areas to see an additional case recorded this week, including Birmingham, Surrey, Nottinghamshire, amongst other areas.

The area with the highest cumulative case rate is the London Borough of Lambeth, with 1.04 cases per 1,000 people.

 

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

 

 

 

Vaccine eligibility requirements

 

 

Oldhamers are now able to book both first and second monkeypox jabs – even if they haven’t previously registered at a local sexual health clinic.

According to health bosses, 2,500 people in Greater Manchester have received their first vaccination against monkeypox.

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.

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.