Second case of deadly monkeypox in Britain

DOCTORS are treating a second person for the deadly monkeypox virus – just days after health officials revealed the first ever case had reached the UK.

Public health officials said the patient is receiving treatment at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, a specialist centre.

Officials believe they caught the virus, often spread through handling monkeys, in Nigeria before flying to Britain. They do not believe the two cases are related.

The unidentified patient first went to Blackpool Victoria Hospital showing symptoms of the virus, before they tested positive for monkeypox.

On Friday, a Nigerian national staying at a naval base in Cornwall became the first case recorded on British shores. The patient was transferred to the infectious disease unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London on Saturday morning.

Dr Nick Phin, deputy director of Public Health England’s National Infection Service, said it was ‘unusual’ to see two cases in a matter of days. He said Nigeria had a ‘large sustained outbreak’ of monkeypox last September and has continued to see sporadic cases reported.

‘It is likely monkeypox continues to circulate in Nigeria and could therefore affect travellers who are returning from this part of the world,’ he said. ‘However, it is very unusual to see two cases in such a relatively short space of time.

‘We are working hard to contact individuals, including healthcare workers, that might have come into contact with the individual to provide information and health advice.’

Dr Mike Beadsworth, clinical director of the Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital said: ‘We are treating a patient who has tested positive for monkeypox. The patient is being cared for by highly trained staff who are experienced in dealing with infectious diseases.

‘All necessary precautions are being taken and there is currently no risk to other staff, patients or visitors. We ask that people continue to use our services as normal.’

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that was first discovered in monkeys in 1958. While similar to smallpox, it is not as deadly, though it can be fatal in around one in ten cases.

It resides in wild animals, but humans can catch it through direct contact with animals, such as handling monkeys, or eating inadequately cooked meat.