A fourth case of monkeypox has been officially recorded in Scotland, according to public health chiefs.
Rising numbers of the viral infection have been tracked across the UK in recent weeks following the initial outbreak of a strain from West Africa.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) confirmed three cases in the week from Monday, May 23, but a fourth, in an undisclosed location, has now been verified.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had, at the last official count, recorded 101 cases of the virus in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Individuals are now receiving “appropriate care and treatment” in line with national guidance, while close contacts are being traced.
Dr Nick Phin, director of public health science and medical director, PHS said: “Anyone with an unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body, including their genital area, should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.
“PHS continues to work with NHS boards and wider partners in Scotland and the UK to investigate the source of these infections.”
Dr Phin added: “We have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these are being strictly followed and the overall risk to the general public is low.”
The strain present in the UK is described as “mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone already infected and with symptoms.”
Recovery time for those infected is generally around two weeks.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include a blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genital area.
They may also include:
- fever or high temperature
- headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen lymph nodes
- chills
- exhaustion
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