Rising number of cases in the UK
A rising number of monkeypox cases in the UK has prompted a warning to people in the Isle of Man.
Late last week, the government confirmed there no known cases of monkeypox on the Isle of Man, but appealed for residents and visitors "to be aware of the symptoms, be safe, and to contact the GUM clinic if they suspect the virus".
On 5 September, a vaccination programme was launched by Manx Care, with vaccines offered to people at "high risk" of coming into contact with the disease.
Upon the launch of this programme, Manx Care stated that those who felt they were in an at-risk group should contact the Sexual Health Service at Noble's Hospital on 650710 during office hours.
Manx Radio has asked the healthcare service to clarify who exactly was in an at-risk group, as this was not explicitly outlined anywhere by the service in its official public messaging.
On the government website under the question "who is offered the vaccine?" it states: "People at higher risk of coming into contact with monkeypox will be offered the vaccine to help reduce transmission. As the Isle of Man currently has a limited supply of the vaccine, it's being offered to those at highest risk first. As more supplies become available, more people will be offered a first dose."
Under the question "how can I see if I am eligible for the vaccine?", it states: "if you feel you are in an at-risk group".
A spokesperson for Manx Care referred us to the UK NHS website for its guidance on monkeypox, saying that advice is what is followed here.
This guidance states those most likely to be exposed include:
- Healthcare workers caring for patients with confirmed or suspected monkeypox (this group will be offered two doses of the vaccine).
- Men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men (this group will be offered one dose of the vaccine).
- People who've been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox – ideally this group should have the vaccine within 4 days of contact, but it can be given up to 14 days after.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that usually causes a high temperature (fever) and a body rash that lasts a few weeks.
The risk of getting monkeypox in the Isle of Man is currently very low.
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