Two more monkeypox cases found in Scotland

TWO more cases of monkeypox have been found in Scotland, bringing the total to three.

The disease has now been identified in all four nations of the UK, with the number of confirmed cases having risen to 90.

Medical experts have said anyone with an ‘unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body’ should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice.

The rise in cases comes after a trial in Inverness was adjourned on Wednesday after a witness was absent with a suspected case of monkeypox.

Dr Nick Phin of Public Health Scotland said: ‘We have wellestablished

‘Robust control procedures’

and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease, and these are being strictly followed.’

Scotland has a small supply of smallpox vaccine that can offer protection against the virus, which is usually associated with West and Central Africa.

UK Health Security Agency guidelines instruct close contacts of those who test positive to isolate for 21 days.

Monkeypox patients will also be told to keep their distance from pets such as cats and dogs in guidance to be issued this week. The advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will warn of a potential risk of human to animal transmission. Pets could become permanent ‘reservoirs’ of the disease if infected.