Four more UK monkeypox cases confirmed as total number of infections rises to seven

A further four cases of monkeypox have been identified in the UK, bringing the total number of confirmed outbreaks to seven.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) said it is “not aware” of any cases of the condition despite new infections being confirmed in London and the North East of England.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was working to find links between the cases – all of whom appear to have been infected in the English capital.

The authority added that all four of the most recent cases self-identify as gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men, but do not appear to be connected to the previous confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK -which were announced on May 14 nor the first, confirmed on May 7.

The viral infection, which is said to occur mainly in Central and Western Africa, is spread by close contact but is described as “generally a mild self-limiting illness,” with recovery times of around two weeks.

Health officials from PHS previously said they were “liaising” with colleagues in England as part of the contact tracing process following the first identified case earlier this month.

That involved one person who had recently travelled to Nigeria, where they are believed to have contracted the disease, before returning to the UK.

The UKHSA is now asking anyone with symptoms, which can include rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, to contact sexual health providers if they have concerns.

The health agency emphasised that the virus does not spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population is low.

A PHS spokesperson added: “PHS is aware of the cases of monkeypox being investigated by the UKHSA.

“To date, PHS is not aware of any cases of monkeypox in Scotland.”