This is evidence that the monkeypox virus can be transmitted in the community and spread through close contact. UKHSA is rapidly investigating these sources of infection. Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s Chief Medical Advisor, said: “This is rare and unusual. What is the monkeypox virus? Here’s everything you need to know about the recently reported smallpox-like disease in the United Kingdom.ĭr. There is no link to traveling to countries where monkeypox is endemic, and exactly where and how the infection was acquired, including whether they have further links to each other, is an “urgent investigation”. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Monday night that three new cases in London and one in northeastern England were gay, bisexual, or other men (MSM) having sex with men. London, May 17th: Gay and bisexual men are urged to pay attention to abnormal rashes or lesions after four new cases of monkeypox virus have been confirmed by British health authorities.