There have been 11 new monkeypox cases found in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said, bringing the total in the UK to 190.
As of May 30, a total of 183 cases have been identified in England since May 7.
Currently there are four confirmed cases in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
People are being asked to remain alert to any new rashes or lesions which appear like spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body.
Those considered to be a high-risk contact of someone with a confirmed case are being advivsed to isolate at home for up to 21 days.
Although this advice applies to everyone, the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so we are asking these people in particular to be aware of the symptoms - particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.
Dr Ruth Milton, Senior Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: “The risk to the general public from monkeypox is still low, but it’s important that we work to limit the virus being passed on. We remind people that they should be alert to new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body.
“If anyone suspects they might have these, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible, though please phone ahead before attending in person.”
Advice remains that people should call NHS 111 or a sexual health centre immediately if they have a rash with blisters.
People have been asked not to go to a sexual health clinic without contacting them first.
It comes after the World Health Organisation’s top monkeypox expert said she does not expect another pandemic despite a surge in cases — but admitted there are still many unknowns about the disease.
Dr Rosamund Lewis insisted the threat to the general population was “low” but acknowledged it was unknown whether monkeypox is being transmitted by sex or just the close contact between people engaging in sexual activity.
Dr Lewis said: “We are concerned individuals may acquire this infection through high-risk exposure if they don’t have the information they need to protect themselves.”
