The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had confirmed that 11 new cases of Monkeypox has been found in the UK, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.
Most of the infections have been described as mild, and come on top of the nine previously identified. The initial case was contracted after travel to Nigeria. The virus has also been detected in Spain, Portugal and the US.
Mr Javid said: “UKHSA have confirmed 11 new cases of Monkeypox in the UK. This morning I updated G7 health ministers on what we know so far. Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against monkeypox.”
Read more: Monkeypox: What are the symptoms and how does it spread?
The UKHSA reports that Monkeypox 'does not usually spread easily between people' and the risk to the UK population remains low. Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser, said the UKHSA has 'worked quickly' to identify cases and continues 'to rapidly investigate the source of these infections and raise awareness among healthcare professionals.'
The recent UK outbreak has been found predominantly in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. Monkeypox has not previously been described as a sexually transmitted infection, though it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.
It can also be passed on via contact with clothing or linens used by an infected person. The NHS reports that Monkeypox can also be caught from infected wild animals in parts of west and central Africa.
The virus is usually characterised by a rash which starts as raised spots, turning into small blisters filled with fluid. It can begin on the face and spread to other parts of the body. It an take between five and 21 days for symptoms to appear, reports the NHS.
