NEW figures have revealed the number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Cumbria since the beginning of the outbreak.

Data for upper-tier local authorities was published by the UK Health Security Agency for the first time on Tuesday.

As of August 8, the county had seen less than five cases of the virus. 

These were among 161 cases in the North West and 2,883 in England. 

Figures between zero and five have been presented as 'less than five' to prevent 'deductive disclosure'.

Lancashire has seen 12 cases of the virus and North Yorkshire less than five.

Colin Cox, Cumbria's director of public health, said: "The general public advice is that monkeypox is quite difficult to spread between people, so this is not like Covid, and it's not going to become like Covid, so the vast majority probably don't really need to worry about monkeypox at the moment."

Mr Cox said a rash was a 'key' symptom and that before that people tended to get cold and flu symptoms 'which aren't helpful [in identifying monkeypox]'.

"It's a bit like a chicken pox sort of rash," said Mr Cox.

Anyone can catch monkeypox, although the majority of cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men. 

"People who are within these groups need to be aware of the symptoms," said Mr Cox.

According to the NHS, monkeypox can be spread between people via: 

  • 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 who is in close proximity

The NHS says the first symptoms of monkeypox include:

  • A high temperature
  • A headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Backache
  • Swollen glands
  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Joint pain

The NHS website says: "A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms.

"The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals and anus.

"You may also have anal pain or bleeding from your bottom."

Mr Cox said members of the public concerned about symptoms should contact health services remotely to discuss them.