NHS 111 ‘overloaded’ with callers asking if rash is monkeypox

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NHS 111 helpline has been “overloaded” with people calling to check whether their rash could be monkeypox, a senior health official has said. open image in gallery Different stages of Monkeypox Although the official advice is for people to call either NHS 111 or their local sexual health service if they believe they may have symptoms, the head of the UKHSA team investigating the outbreak said on Friday that health officials are now trying to point people towards the latter option. We are trying to point people towards sexual health clinics.” open image in gallery Infections have been spreading across Europe Argentina became the first Latin American country to announce monkeypox cases on Friday, as the viral disease continued to spread in countries beyond the parts of central and west Africa where it is endemic. “If anyone suspects they might have these, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible, though please phone ahead before attending in person.”