An adviser to the Scottish Government on Covid has urged the public not to panic after the first case of monkeypox was confirmed in Scotland.
Professor Devi Sridhar, who sits on the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Advisory Group, said monkeypox is ‘not a repeat’ of coronavirus.
The health expert made the comments after the first case on monkeypox was confirmed in the country earlier today.
A further 20 cases of the virus have also been identified in England as of May 20.
And Professor Sridhar is expecting the number of cases to rise over the ‘coming days’.
She tweeted : "Just a note to those feeling anxious - this is not a repeat of SARS-CoV-2. It’s a different disease and there are strict infection control procedures to respond to cases.
“We’re likely to see more cases in coming days - tracing and isolation of close contacts important.
“Key advice from health authorities is ‘anyone with an unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body, including the genital area, should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.’”
Public Health Scotland said that the individual with monkeypox is receiving care and treatment for their condition is underway.
Attempts are also being made to track down any recent close contacts of the person with the virus.
Monkeypox is a viral infection which is usually found in west and central Africa.
The West African strain that has been recently detected in the UK is generally a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone already infected and with symptoms of monkeypox.
Initial symptoms of the virus include a fever or high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.
A blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, including the genital area.
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at PHS, said: ““Public Health Scotland is aware of an individual in Scotland who is confirmed to have monkeypox. The affected individual is being managed and treated in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance.
“We have well established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these will be strictly followed.
“We are working with NHS Boards and wider partners in Scotland and the UK to investigate the source of this infection. Close contacts of the case are being identified and provided with health information and advice. This may include the offer of vaccination.
“The overall risk to the general public is low.
“Anyone with an unusual blister-like rash or small number of blister-like sores on any part of their body, including their genital area, should avoid close contact with others and seek medical advice if they have any concerns.”
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