Eng "Avoid sexual contact if infected with Monkeypox... Self-isolate for 3 weeks," warning

UK Releases Quarantine Guidelines

Monkeypox patients in Congo, Africa, 1996-1997. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The UK health authorities have strongly recommended that to prevent the spread of monkeypox, individuals should self-isolate and avoid contact with others until lesions heal and scabs dry.

According to The Telegraph, the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) announced these guidelines on the 30th (local time). The HSA stated that the health authorities of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have also agreed to these guidelines.

Therefore, people suffering from monkeypox in the UK should avoid close contact with others until their skin lesions heal and scabs dry. Sexual activity should also be refrained from during the symptomatic period and while lesions remain.

Additionally, if infected or suspected individuals need to leave their homes for health care, they must cover all lesions with cloth, wear masks, and avoid using public transportation as much as possible.

Furthermore, the Health Security Agency emphasized that infected individuals can reduce the risk of spreading the virus by washing clothes and bedding using standard cleaning and disinfection methods.

People who have been in contact with infected individuals should be evaluated for infection and may be required to self-isolate for three weeks if necessary. Pregnant healthcare workers and severely immunocompromised individuals should not interact with or care for infected or suspected patients.

Recommended personal protective equipment for healthcare workers managing infected patients includes FFP3 masks, protective suits, eye protection, and gloves. When dealing with suspected cases, masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection are also necessary. In facilities such as social welfare centers, prisons, and homeless shelters, infected individuals should be housed in separate rooms with attached bathrooms.

Exterior view of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) located in London, UK. / Photo by Yonhap News

Dr. Ruth Milton, the chief advisor of the Health Security Agency and the head of the monkeypox strategy, explained, "The new guidelines include important measures for managing monkeypox, such as safe self-isolation and transmission prevention strategies."

She added, "The risk of infection is highest when in direct contact with patients. While the overall risk to the UK population is low, anyone who develops unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body should immediately report to the National Health Service (NHS) helpline 111 or a local sexual health clinic."

Meanwhile, as of the 30th, the number of monkeypox cases in the UK increased by 71, totaling 179. The Health Security Agency announced that it has purchased over 20,000 doses (single-dose) of the smallpox vaccine 'Imvanex.' Developed by Danish company Bavarian Nordic, Imvanex is approved as a smallpox vaccine in Europe but has been authorized in the United States for the prevention and mitigation of monkeypox.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.