A microscopic image shows monkeypox virus particles
(Picture: VIA REUTERS)The first case of monkeypox has been identified in Wales, Public Health Wales has said.
Dr Giri Shankar, director of health protection for Public Health Wales, said: "Public Health Wales is today (Thursday 26 May) confirming that a case of monkeypox has been identified in Wales.
"We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, and we are ready to respond to cases of monkeypox in Wales.
"The case is being managed appropriately. To protect patient confidentiality, no further details relating to the patient will be disclosed."
He added: "We are reassuring people that monkeypox does not usually spread easily between people, and the overall risk to the general public is low. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness, and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals."
There are now believed to be 79 cases of monkeypox in the UK.
The UKHSA will update the totals later on Thursday.
