18/05/2022
LGBTQIA Newswires are reporting on an important piece of information from the UK’s Health Security Agency. People who have numerous sexual partners are asked to be aware of the fact that an outbreak of the virus monkeypox is circulating particularly in London and the South East. Nine cases of monkeypox have been reported in the last week and several of those impacted have been gay or bi men who use the sexual scene. Monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex. It can also be passed on through other close contact with a person who has monkeypox or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox. The UKHSA is advising individuals, particularly those who are gay, bisexual or MSM, to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns. The Guardian newspaper adds that monekypox is usually a mild illness not dissimilar to chicken pox, but adds that the infection can cause serious illness in some people. The BBC News Channel says that Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. HIV organisations such as the Terrence Higgins Trust and GMFA have not yet published any information about the virus and its interaction with HIV but newspapers speculate that there is no cause for concern. For non-judgemental community advice on monkeypox, call NHS 111 or the Terrence Higgins Trust helpline from 10am daily on 0808 802 1221.
