Patients with severe monkeypox could be infectious for up to 10 weeks, according to a study.
The research, which was published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, looked into seven cases of the virus in the UK between 2018 and 2021.
One of the people, a man in his 40s, was found to have tested positive for the virus in the 70 days that followed after first displaying symptoms, the Mirror reports.
He was hospitalised for the first 39 days before being released. His rash returned a month and a half later and also suffered from swollen lymph nodes.
Dr Hugh Adler, one of the study’s authors from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said: “It remains positive in the throat and blood for the length of the illness and maybe even longer after the rash is resolved.
"We don’t know that this means these patients are more infectious or infectious for longer, but it does inform us of the biology of disease."
The findings come after the first case of monkeypox in Scotland was confirmed earlier this week.
Public Health Scotland said that the infected patient is being “managed and treated” in line with national protocols and guidance.
A further 77 cases of the virus have been identified in England since May 7, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.
Officials say that a “notable proportion” of cases have been found in people who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men.
Monkeypox is a viral infection which often leads to a mild “self-limiting illness” - with most people recovering within a few weeks.
The infection can be passed through close contact or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.
UK Health Security Agency officials say that the risk to the UK population from the virus is low.
Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body should immediately contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service.
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