Health officials issue statement about monkeypox outbreak in North Wales

It comes after UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this morning the UK was 'dealing with an outbreak of monkeypox, and cases of drug-resistant TB' (Tuberculosis).

Public Health Wales has now issued a statement confirming that two cases of imported monkeypox had been identified.

It reads: "Public Health Wales and Public Health England are monitoring two cases of imported monkeypox identified in North Wales.

"The index case was acquired overseas, and the two cases are members of the same household. Both cases were admitted to a hospital in England, where one currently remains.

"Monitoring and follow-up of the cases and their close contacts are undertaken as part of normal practice, and the risk to the general public is very low."

Richard Firth, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales, added: "Confirmed cases of monkeypox are a rare event in the UK, and the risk to the general public is very low.

“We have worked with multi agency colleagues, following tried and tested protocols and procedures, and identified all close contacts. Actions have been put in place to minimise the likelihood of further infection.

“Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus and has been reported mainly in central and West African countries.

“Monkeypox, in most cases, is a mild condition which will resolve on its own and have no long-term effects on a person’s health. Most people recover within a few weeks.”

For further information see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.

According to the NHS, the symptoms include high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, chills and exhaustion.

How monkeypox is spread?

• touching items like clothing, bedding or towels used by an infected person
• touching monkeypox spots or scabs
• a person with a monkeypox rash who coughs or sneezes near you