Eleven further monkeypox cases identified as UK procures more vaccines against the virus

A further 11 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the UK, bringing the total number to 20.

The new cases come on top of the nine previously identified, with the initial case having returned from travel to Nigeria.

The UK Government’s health secretary Sajid Javid posted an update on Twitter advising that he had updated G7 health ministers on what is known about the spread of the virus.

He added that most cases are mild and more vaccines to protect against the virus had been obtained.

Javid wrote: “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.”

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

The UK Government has some stocks of the smallpox vaccine, which can be effective against monkeypox as the viruses are quite similar.

The viral infection which is usually found in West Africa does not often spread elsewhere.

While cases are usually mild, it can cause severe illness in some cases.

Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, which then spreads to other parts of the body including the genitals.

The rash can look like chickenpox or syphilis, and scabs can form which then fall off.

The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

The cases in the UK are not all one cluster, with separate cases springing up that are unconnected.

The first case identified was in a person who had returned from Nigeria but other cases are unrelated to travel, suggesting there is community transmission.

Several cases have been confirmed in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have attended sexual health services.

Monkeypox is not normally a sexually-transmitted infection, but it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.

It can also be spread through touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash, and through the coughs and sneezes of somebody with the infection.

A spokesperson for PHS said: “Public Health Scotland (PHS) is aware of the cases of monkeypox being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency.

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

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.