TWO more cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Scotland, the public health body has confirmed.
It brings the total number of cases reporter in Scotland since Monday to three and risk to the public is still said to be low.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) said the patients were receiving the required care and treatment and that close contacts were being offered a smallpox vaccine.
There is no specific vaccination for monkeypox but a smallpox jab offers 85% protection due to the similar nature between the two viruses.
On Wednesday, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (STCTS) confirmed a trial in Inverness had been adjourned due to a witness being unable to attend because of a suspected case of monkeypox.
PHS’s Dr Nick Phin said they were working with NHS Boards and partners across Scotland “to investigate the source of these infections.”
He added: “We have well-established and robust infection control procedures for dealing with such cases of infectious disease and these are being strictly followed.
“The overall risk to the general public is low.”
He urged anyone with symptoms including a blister-like rash or sores on any part of their body to avoid close contact with others and to seek medical advice if they are concerned.
Meanwhile, Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has stressed that "people shouldn't be overly alarmed."
He added: "We know that monkeypox has been around for many years. We know there's established treatements for monkeypox.
"So when cases are being identified, and its not a surprise to me that there have been more and I suspect more will continue in the weeks ahead, we have robust procedures in place so people shouldn't be overly alarmed by any stretch of the imagination."
The UK Health Security Agency confirmed there are currently 79 cases of monkeypox across the nation.
Northern Ireland confirmed its first case of monkeypox today with the Public Health Authority (PHA) confirming they were working closely with GPs and trusts to raise awareness of the disease.
The PHA’s head of health protection Dr Gillian Armstrong said: “Cases of monkeypox are rare as the virus does not spread easily between people.”
Armstrong also reiterated the lack of risk the virus poses to the public.
