There have been seven more monkeypox cases confirmed in England and Scotland today bringing the total to 78.
The UK Health Security Agency, who are at the forefront of protecting the British public from infectious diseases and other health threats, has described the outbreak as "significant and concerning".
The body said the risk to the wider population at this stage remains low and have issued symptoms to look out for.
On Tuesday the number of monkeypox cases rose by 14.
The news comes as a study published by the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal has poured cold water on the theory that monkeypox patients are no longer contagious once their lesions have disappeared.
The Lancet report looked at seven people who had monkeypox – a close relative of the smallpox virus – in Britain between 2018 and 2021, with all cases linked to Africa.
None of the patients died or needed intensive care treatment, but some were admitted to hospital as a precaution to prevent any onward transmission.
Co-author Dr Hugh Adler, a research fellow at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said: “We can see the virus remains positive in the throat and blood for the length of the illness and maybe even longer after the rash is resolved.
“We don’t know that this means these patients are more infectious or infectious for longer, but it does inform us of the biology of disease.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that a child was said to be in intensive care with the virus.
It does not usually spread easily between people, but can be passed on through close person-to-person contact or contact with items used by a person who has monkeypox, such as clothes, bedding or utensils.
An expert said superspreader events are likely to be behind the rise in global cases, with 14 different countries identifying cases, according to Harvard University.
The illness has spread across the UK with a first case recorded in Scotland on May 23.
Monkeypox causes a fever, headaches and a blistering rash on the face, hands and feet.
The virus is usually mild but can be more serious in children under 5 and the vulnerable.
Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, is being urged to immediately contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service.
A notable number of cases have been gay and bisexual men, so UKHSA have warned this community to be particularly alert to the symptoms.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser, UKHSA, said:“We are continuing to promptly identify further monkeypox cases in England through our extensive surveillance and contact tracing networks, our vigilant NHS services, and thanks to people coming forward with symptoms.
“If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, 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.”
