Monkeypox could become a serious issue in the UK if it spreads to pets and other wildlife, an expert on global health threats has warned.
Dr Anthony Renshaw - who has overseen projects across the world as Regional Medical Director of the EMEA region at International SOS - says the virus is "behaving in a slightly unusual way" compared to outbreaks seen in countries where the disease originated like the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC].
Since May 13, an unprecedented number of cases have been recorded outside of origin countries - with the World Health Organisation now asking world leaders to observe the disease watch how it develops.
Cases of monkeypox in the UK were very rare up until this recent outbreak - but the virus could pose a serious threat if it takes hold and spreads through the animal population.
The infection is currently thought to be transmitted through "respiratory droplets" that people spread when engaging in face-to-face contact, touching or even by sharing bedding.
Dr Renshaw told the Mirror: "If it were to become established in animals here, because then it would become an endemic virus and we'd periodically have outbreaks in the northern hemisphere.
"If it becomes transmitted in a different way, that could potentially change things."
On Wednesday, pet owners with monkeypox were warned to avoid close contact with animals over fears the virus could spread to them cause irreparable damage to wildlife.
The disease - which causes a mild illness, fever and a facial rash that can spread across the body if left untreated - was first detected in a colony of monkeys in the modern-day DRC in 1958, with the first human case recorded in 1970.
The WHO has now logged at least 237 confirmed monkeypox cases across the world in countries including the UK, Spain, Portugal and Canada.
Dr Renshaw said the disease is "behaving in a slightly unusual way" due to spreading between humans with greater ease than it ever has before and because it has emerged in "countries where it's not normally found".
The doctor said this outbreak has been "really distinguished" by "human to human spread".
"And human to human spread is thought to be through large respiratory droplets when someone coughs and laughs or sneezes," he added.
While Dr Renshaw urged caution, he said the disease is not like Covid which is transmitted rapidly from human to human.
There is a still a lot of research to be done to learn why the current monkeypox outbreak is spreading so easily among people, he added - but the virus isn't thought to be sexually transmitted.
Gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men are being urged in particular to be aware of symptoms, especially if they have recently had a new sexual partner.
Dr Renshaw explained: "People who identify as being men who have sex with men or bisexual men it’s important that they in particular are mindful of the symptoms and how to prevent being infected - but really everybody should be aware because it doesn’t just affect that group."
The doctor added the "very old disease" was not seen in those communities in earlier outbreaks.
He said: "It's not confined to this group, it's being seen in other groups.
"And with the monkeypox outbreaks we've seen in Nigeria and the DRC and other countries, it's not been spread in that way."
It comes as health authorities confirmed another eight people have been infected in England, lifting the total number of cases in the UK to 90.
The first case of the virus was confirmed yesterday in Wales and one person in Northern Ireland is reported to be in hospital with monkeypox.
People with unusual rashes or lesions, particularly if they have had a new sexual partner, have been urged to limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health clinic.
Despite the rise in cases, the UKHSA has said the risk to the overall UK population "remains low".
Dr Giri Shankar, director of health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “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.
“Everyone is being asked to be aware of the monkeypox symptoms, but it is important that gay and bisexual men are alert as it’s believed to be spreading in sexual networks.
“Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body should contact NHS 111 or call a sexual health service if they have concerns.
Outside of Africa there are now 237 confirmed cases with the World Health Organisation asking health authorities worldwide to "increase the surveillance" of the disease to "understand where it's going".
