Two UK cases of rare monkeypox virus identified in remote Welsh village
Two cases of monkeypox have been identified in North Wales, health bosses said.
Public Health Wales and Public Health England are monitoring the cases, which have seen the two patients admitted to a hospital in England, with one since released.
A spokesman for Public Health Wales said the index case was acquired overseas and the two patients are members of the same household.
Richard Firth, consultant in health protection at Public Health Wales, said: “Confirmed cases of monkeypox are a rare event in the UK, and the risk to the general public is very low.
“We have worked with multi agency colleagues, following tried and tested protocols and procedures, and identified all close contacts.
“Actions have been put in place to minimise the likelihood of further infection.
“Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus and has been reported mainly in central and West African countries.
“Monkeypox, in most cases, is a mild condition which will resolve on its own and have no long-term effects on a person’s health. Most people recover within a few weeks.”