Monkeypox case confirmed in Wales
Risk of spread to general population low say Public Health Wales
A case of Monkeypox has been identified in Wales.
News of the case has been confirmed by Dr Giri Shankar, who is Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales.
No details relating to the patient are being released but the agency’s reassuring us the risk of it spreading to the general population is low.
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills and exhaustion, and a rash can develop.
Dr Giri Shankar, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said:
“We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, and we are ready to respond to cases of monkeypox in Wales.
“The case is being managed appropriately. To protect patient confidentiality, no further details relating to the patient will be disclosed. "
"Usually mild"
“We are reassuring people that monkeypox does not usually spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the general public is low.
"It is usually a mild self-limiting illness, and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals."
Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, particularly the hands and feet.