PUBLIC Health Wales has issued an update on the latest Monkeypox outbreak in North Wales, as they monitor three cases.

Public Health Wales and Public Health England have confirmed they are monitoring three cases of imported Monkeypox identified in North Wales.

The first case was acquired overseas, and all three cases are members of the same household. All cases were admitted to a hospital in England, where two currently remain.

The index case has made a full recovery, does not present an infection risk and has been discharged, it is confirmed.

Monitoring and follow-up of the cases and their close contacts was undertaken as part of normal practice, and the risk to the general public is very low.

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.”

For further information see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/