Pox cases rise to 20 in UK and 127 across the world

Eleven new cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Britain.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid tweeted he had updated G7 health ministers on what is known about the spread of the virus. There are now 20 cases recorded in the UK.

Globally, 127 cases have been reported in 11 countries, according to John Brownstein, professor of medicine at the Harvard Medical School in the US, who is keeping track of cases.

Mr Javid said: “Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against monkeypox.”

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.

Monkeypox cases are usually found in West Africa and the virus does not often spread elsewhere.

That is why outbreaks reported across Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States have caused alarm among public health experts.

The disease, first discovered in monkeys, is usually mild but can cause severe illness.

Symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

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 and scabs can form which then fall off.

The incubation period is usually six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days.

The UK cases are not all one cluster, with cases springing up that are unconnected.