The first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Wales. No details of the patient are being released and Public Health Wales says they are working with other health teams in the UK.
Dr Giri Shankar, Director of Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: “Public Health Wales is today (Thursday 26 May) confirming that a case of monkeypox has been identified in Wales. 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. We are reassuring people that monkeypox does not usually spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the general public is low.
READ MORE: Why having the smallpox vaccine could offer you monkeypox protection
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. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.
“Everyone is being asked to be aware of the monkeypox symptoms, but it is important that gay and bisexual men are alert as it's believed to be spreading in sexual networks.
“Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body should contact NHS 111 or call a sexual health service if they have concerns.”
Cases of monkeypox in the UK, including in Wales, are reported on the UKHSA website. The early symptoms of monkeypox can be hard to diagnose - a fever, headaches or back pain, for example. Then a rash starts - often across the face then spreading to the hands, feet and other parts of the body.
Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan said: "I urge anyone with an unusual rash or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitals, to avoid close contact with others and call NHS 111 or their local sexual health service for advice. They are also advised to phone ahead before attending in person.
"Everyone is being asked to be aware of monkeypox symptoms, but it’s particularly important gay and bisexual men are alert.
"Anyone contacting services with symptoms may be required to be tested and I urge people to tell services about who they have had close contact with so we can ensure people get the right support and to help us limit the spread of this virus. Discussions will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
"Depending on the extent of the contact with an infected person, people may be asked to self-isolate at home for up to 21 days and they may be offered a smallpox vaccine to reduce the risk of catching the virus."
The first case in Northern Ireland was also reported on Thursday, The total number of cases in the UK now stands at 78.
