Monkeypox could have ‘massive impact’ on sexual health services, doctor warns
manchestereveningnews.co.ukMonkeypox could have a “massive impact” on access to sexual health services, a top doctor has warned. The disease, which was first found in monkeys, can be transmitted from person to person through close physical contact – including sexual intercourse – and is caused by the monkeypox virus.
The number of cases confirmed in Britain has hit 20 with nine other countries outside of Central and West Africa also reporting outbreaks.
Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, said she is concerned about how the infection could affect services because staff who come in contact with sufferers are forced to isolate.
She told the BBC that clinic staff were “already under significant pressure” before monkeypox was identified, making the situation worse. READ MORE: McColl's has 40 of my parcels worth £1,000 locked away - but I can't get them “It is already stretching the workforce and will have a massive impact if staff have to isolate if they are in close contact with someone who’s infected,” Dr Dewsnap said. “In terms of the infection and its consequences for individuals, I’m not that concerned,” she later told BBC Radio 4. “But I am concerned about our ability to maintain good sexual health services and access for everyone while still managing this new infection.” Dr Dewsnap also called for “adequate funding” for sexual health services.
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