The first case of monkeypox in Cornwall has been confirmed by experts
Specialists are providing advice and support to partner organisations
Experts have confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Cornwall.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says no details can be released about the individual due to patient confidentiality.
In a statement, the UKHSA said: "Specialists from UKHSA South West are providing expert advice and support to partner organisations following a confirmed case of monkeypox in Cornwall."
Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa.
It is usually a mild illness that does not spread easily between people and gets better by itself, with most people recovering within a few weeks.
Experts say the risk to the UK population remains low, but this is being kept under review as they continue to investigate and learn more about transmission patterns and risks.
As of Tuesday (14th June) there are 524 confirmed cases across the UK.
There are currently 504 confirmed cases in England, 13 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 5 in Wales.
On Twitter, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust posted: "Monkeypox is a rare viral infection but cases in the UK are increasing.
"If you suspect you may have it, contact your sexual health clinic or NHS 111."
Monkeypox in the UK
Although more people have been diagnosed with it recently, only a small number of people in the UK have had monkeypox and the risk remains low.
You're extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if:
- you have not been in close contact (such as touching their skin or sharing bedding) with someone who has monkeypox or has monkeypox symptoms
- you have not recently travelled to west or central Africa
Anyone can get monkeypox. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, so it's particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you're in these groups.
Symptoms of monkeypox
If you get infected with monkeypox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.
The first symptoms of monkeypox include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. This can include the genitals.
The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.
The symptoms usually clear up in a few weeks.
Source: NHS
You can find more information from the NHS here.