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Original poster

Monkey pox

41 replies

12Thorns · 07/06/2022 18:47

Has anyone had monkey pox, seen monkey pox or known anyone with monkey pox?

i have my suspicions about someone I know, but not really sure how likely this is

OP posts:
iklboo · 07/06/2022 18:54

So far there's 190 confirmed cases in the UK out of a population of around 67 million. I think there's many more people who haven't seen it than have, especially in a social setting.

However, I've heard that from today doctors must notify of any cases they come across as it's now classed as a notifiable disease.

Original poster
12Thorns · 07/06/2022 19:31

190 confirmed cases…. How many are Likely unconfirmed? Do we think 10%?detection rate? More? Less? Also where are they? I’m in London if that makes any difference? What’s it like? The rash I saw today looked like a load of flea bites with all the tops scratched off

possible monkey pox? Unlikely?

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Original poster
12Thorns · 07/06/2022 19:42

And also. How much does it matter if this is a real buy undagnosed case?

OP posts:

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General health
sunscreenandsaltwater · 07/06/2022 19:52

Did you rub yourself up against them / have sex with them? If not, I wouldn't worry. If you genuinely suspect they may have it, do the kind thing and tell them to go to the doctor.

OhYouBadBadKitten · 07/06/2022 19:56

Up to over 300 confirmed cases now.

But it's impossible for us to be able to give uninformed advice without any details.

AnIckabog · 07/06/2022 19:58

Monkeypox is a problem because it is a serious disease. Even the mild strain has a 1% mortality rate, and it is particularly bad for young children and pregnant women.
There is no need to panic because it should be easy to prevent transmission by normal basic hygiene measures, but it would be naive to think it couldn't become a problem. If it took hold in a nursery setting, for example, it would be dreadful.
So if you really think the person you saw has monkeypox then yes you should say something because it is important (and entirely possible) to prevent further community transmission. I'm not sure how you could know tbh, but if they have a nasty rash they should go to pharmacist/doctor anyway.
They aren't being specific about the location of cases, but have said that the majority are in London.

Original poster
12Thorns · 07/06/2022 20:17

Maybe I will go back and speak to him. I am a bit worried tbh

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Original poster
12Thorns · 07/06/2022 20:18

There must be people on Mumsnet who have come across it, surely!

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Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 07:52

I’m going to print out a picture of monkey pox from the internet and go back and ask to have another look

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Summersdreaming · 08/06/2022 07:59

Who are they to you?

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 08:01

a close friend. Entirely platonic ( he is gay). I did some shopping and cooked a meal for him yesterday because he’s not well

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Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 08:02

I was a bit worried yesterday but didn’t want to start a whole drama and stress about nothing. Now I think it’s maybe worth maybe raising the query

OP posts:
whenwillthemadnessend · 08/06/2022 08:03

In your shoes I'd ask and maybe call for advise. They are offering vaccines to co facts and you can catch it from sharing a towel or handling bedding etc.

Dodoassociated · 08/06/2022 08:12

You need to go and get tested if you suspect you have been in contact with someone with MonkeyPox. Contact your local sexual health clinic and they will arrange for you to be tested.

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 09:25

Well I was worried enough to call in sick today. I don’t think I am at risk, being over 50, but I do t know if I could spread it- if that’s what this is.

I’ll contact my friend later. I’m watching to see when his WhatsApp says he’s been online. Don’t want to wake him up.

I’ve printed off some pictures. It does look pretty much like what I saw yesterday. It’s on his back though. Which doesn’t sound typical.

OP posts:
Dodoassociated · 08/06/2022 09:42

You need to go and get tested to find out if you do have it.

There is zero point on waiting for your friend to test before you go - they may not want to get tested.

And yes, you can spread it if you have it.

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 09:45

I can’t have it though, I’m over 50!

OP posts:
LifeInsideMyhead · 08/06/2022 09:45

Good luck. You need tk say you think youve been in contact

Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 09:46

Aldo there wasn’t any physical contact. I didn’t touch any soft furnishings or bedding. Justvkitchen things. The oven and so on. Do you still think I could spread it?

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Original poster
12Thorns · 08/06/2022 09:47

Ok. I’ll contact my gp. That seems to be the consensus

OP posts:
Dodoassociated · 08/06/2022 09:48

You need to get tested via the sexual health centre - it's not being done by GPs.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 08/06/2022 09:48

Just to say there is a lot of chicken pox around, and if he didn't have that as a child it can be quite nasty for an adult.

LaSavoie · 08/06/2022 09:50

Why do you think you can’t have it if you’re over 50?

Doveyouknow · 08/06/2022 09:51

If he is gay and living in London then he is at high risk, so I would suspect it's monkey pox. While you are at less risk because of your age you should still get tested and your friend should as well asap. That way they can trace contacts.

StageRage · 08/06/2022 09:54

OP: you have no symptoms, you were not in intimate contact with your friend or his bedding or soft furnishings.

It is definitely worth your friend getting checked out but I wouldn’t think you need to be off work.

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