There have been another five cases of Monekypox recorded in Scotland this week, taking the total to 17.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) released the data this afternoon, June 17, and revealed that there have now been 17 confirmed cases in Scotland.
They advise that currently most cases in Scotland have been in men who are gay, bisexual or are primarily associated with recent European travel.
The individuals are receiving care and treatment appropriate to their condition in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance.
Close contacts of the cases are being identified and provided with health information, advice and, where appropriate, vaccine.
Public Health Scotland and NHS Boards and other partners are working in tandem to ensure services are ready to respond.
Testing is now available in Scotland but health bosses say it is a 'mild' illness.
A PHS spokesperson said: "Monkeypox testing services have now been validated in Scotland and testing began on Thursday 9 June. This means that the testing time of samples from suspected cases is much shorter.
"In addition, PHS continues to work with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Wales and Northern Ireland HSC Health Protection Agency to monitor and respond to potential and confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK.
"Monkeypox is a viral infection only recently detected in the UK. It 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.
"Information on the symptoms of and treatment for monkeypox are available on NHS Inform."
PHS say that any information about new cases of Monkeypox will now be released on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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