July 25, 2022

expert reaction to UKHSA updating the case definition for monkeypox, expanding the list of symptoms

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expanded the list of symptoms for monkeypox. 

Prof Jonathan Ball, Professor of Molecular Virology, University of Nottingham, said:

“Infection control relies on accurate identification of cases, which in turn depends on clear definition of a potential case, so that anyone with suspect symptoms can seek a definite diagnosis and then receive appropriate clinical help and advice. The majority of monkeypox cases outside of Central and Western Africa are in gay, bisexual and other men having sex with men and the symptoms experienced in this group can be different to symptoms seen in other outbreaks. Therefore, extending the list of potential symptoms to reflect this will ensure that as many cases as possible can be identified and isolated, and their contacts traced to help bring the current outbreak to an end.

“In the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, case definitions were woefully limited and this, together with poor testing capacity led to significant community spread. Thankfully, we are unlikely to see a repeat with the current monkeypox outbreak, but ensuring potential case definitions are accurate will lead to better infection control.”

Monkeypox case definition updated to include new symptoms

https://ukhsa-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/monkeypox-case-definition-updated-to-include-new-symptoms

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