Monkeypox Warning Issued For The Thousands Of People Heading To Glastonbury

Any Glastonbury-goers who are thinking about getting frisky during the festival are being warned by health authorities to be wary of monkeypox.

Monkeypox is a highly infectious disease which can be transmitted by sexual contact.

Monkeypox cases have jumped significantly in the United Kingdom in recent weeks, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealing there are now 793 confirmed cases.

Of those confirmed cases, 18 were in Scotland, three were in Northern Ireland, six were in Wales and 766 were in England.

UKHSA's latest warning was directed at Glastonbury revellers in the midst of their partying for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Festival-goers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of monkeypox in the UK," the UKHSA's warning said.

"The infection mainly spreads between people through direct (skin to skin) contact, including sexual contact, or close contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the monkeypox virus."

The statement added: "If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends, or have sexual contact.

"Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice."

Those who have been told to self-isolate have been advised to continue to do so and to 'not attend the festival without prior clearance from the relevant health authority'.

UKHSA Incident Director Dr Sophia Makki has warned people to be wary of the symptoms.

"We continue to see a steady increase in monkeypox cases," Dr Makki said as per a UKHSA statement.

"We’re reminding everyone to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others."

Monkeypox is a zoonotic infection, which is an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans.

The virus has been linked to 66 deaths in Central and West Africa and 1,500 suspected cases since the start of 2022, Reuters reports.

Scientists say it mainly spreads between people through direct, skin-to-skin contact; a perfect storm at a packed-out, sweaty music festival.

Monkeypox can also be spread by sexual contact and contaminated objects.

The World Health Organisation is currently holding an emergency meeting on the Monkeypox outbreak.

The meeting will decide whether to declare monkeypox a global health emergency, the ABC reports.