Monkeypox outbreak in UK: what are the symptoms and how does it spread?

Two cases of monkeypox have been identified in north Wales health officials have said.

Public Health Wales (PHW) said the initial case was acquired overseas and both cases were identified in two people from the same household.

PHW added that monitoring and contact tracing is now taking place and the risk to the general public is very low.

But what is monkeypox and what are the signs and symptoms?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is monkeypox and how is it spread?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.

Most cases have been in Africa and the risk of catching monkeypox in the UK is very low, the NHS explains.

Monkeypox is usually a mild illness that will get better on its own without treatment, but some people can develop more serious symptoms, so patients with monkeypox in the UK are cared for in specialist hospitals.