First monkeypox case confirmed in Hertfordshire
It's one of 21 detected in the UK so far - with Scotland reporting its first infection earlier.
A first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Hertfordshire.
The County Council says the infected person was "extremely prompt and proactive" in seeking medical attention.
It's one of 21 detected in the UK so far - with Scotland reporting its first infection earlier today (23/5).
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said:
"We can confirm that a positive case of Monkey Pox has been identified in Hertfordshire. Close contacts are being contacted and are being given the appropriate health information and advice."
"Our resident was extremely prompt and proactive in seeking clinical attention, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“This disease is not specific to any particular gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity and it is most likely to be transmitted via close physical contact.
"We are urging people with a recent history of travel to West Africa and gay and bisexual men to be aware of unusual rashes or lesions especially on their faces or genitals and to contact NHS 111 if they have any concerns."
Downing Street said there are no plans to hold a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee over monkeypox, or to impose any travel bans.
Asked about travel restrictions from affected countries, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "No, no considerations of that kind. What we're seeing at the moment is community transmission not linked to travel."
He said vaccines are being offered to close contacts but no plans for an "at scale" vaccination programme.
"We do have vaccines procured at significant numbers but given the nature of this and how we know it's spreading, it's thought to be no clinical requirement for that sort of at scale campaign," he said.