Eleven new cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the UK, bringing the total number of recorded cases to 20.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted he had updated G7 health ministers on what is known about the spread of the virus. He said most cases are "mild".
The Government has some stocks of the smallpox vaccine, which can be effective against monkeypox as the viruses are quite similar. This is being offered to very close contacts of those who have been affected.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) says monkeypox typically presents clinically with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications.
It also said: "Monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6%.
"Monkeypox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus.
"Monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding."
A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, which then spreads to other parts of the body including the genitals. The rash can look like chickenpox or syphilis, and scabs can form which then fall off.
The incubation period of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days. The cases in the UK are not all one cluster, with separate cases springing up that are unconnected.
The first case identified was in a person who had returned from Nigeria but other cases are unrelated to travel, suggesting there is community transmission. Several cases have been confirmed in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have attended sexual health services.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said monkeypox does not usually spread easily between people and that the risk to the UK population remains low. Anyone with unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, should contact NHS 111 or call a sexual health service if they have concerns, it said.
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UKHSA, said: "We anticipated that further cases would be detected through our active case finding with NHS services and heightened vigilance among healthcare professionals. We expect this increase to continue in the coming days and for more cases to be identified in the wider community. Alongside this we are receiving reports of further cases being identified in other countries globally.
"We continue to rapidly investigate the source of these infections and raise awareness among healthcare professionals. We are contacting any identified close contacts of the cases to provide health information and advice.
"Because the virus spreads through close contact, we are urging everyone to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions and to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health service if they have any concerns. Please contact clinics ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a clinician.
"A notable proportion of recent cases in the UK and Europe have been found in gay and bisexual men so we are particularly encouraging them to be alert to the symptoms and seek help if concerned."
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