Doctors have confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Scotland.
Public health officials said the person is receiving care and treatment appropriate to their condition and are tracing their contacts. They have not said where the person is being treated.
As of Friday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) had identified 20 cases in England but are expecting more.
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Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at Public Health Scotland (PHS) said: “Public Health Scotland is aware of an individual in Scotland who is confirmed to have monkeypox. The affected individual is being managed and treated in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance.
“We have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these will be strictly followed.
“We are working with NHS Boards and wider partners in Scotland and the UK to investigate the source of this infection. Close contacts of the case are being identified and provided with health information and advice. This may include the offer of vaccination.”
Monkeypox is a viral infection usually found in West and Central Africa. The West African strain that has been recently detected in the UK is generally a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone already infected and with symptoms of monkeypox. Most people recover within a few weeks.
Initial symptoms of monkey pox include fever or high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores can develop. Individuals are infectious from the point symptoms start until all the scabs fall off. During this time close contact with others must be avoided.
Dr Phin added: “The overall risk to the general public is low.
“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.”
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