Monkeypox cases are now suspected in U.K., Spain, Portugal — here’s what you need to know
Global News
There are 13 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Europe, with 23 more cases being tested as potential infections.
Cases of monkeypox are emerging in the U.K., Spain and Portugal, raising concerns about further transmission of the monkeypox virus.
Health officials in Spain issued a national alert today “to guarantee a swift, coordinated and timely response” after eight men started showing symptoms of the viral infection.
These cases have yet to be officially confirmed, and a spokesperson for Madrid’s regional health department said that the National Microbiology Centre is working to determine a final diagnosis.
The U.K. announced on Monday that they have detected four more cases of monkeypox, bringing the country’s total up to seven cases. The first case in the U.K. was detected on May 4.
In Portugal, five cases of monkeypox have been found, with 15 more people being tested. National authorities said that everyone affected is in stable condition, and that all 20 cases were among men who live in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley.
Fernando Simón, an epidemiologist who leads Spain’s health emergencies centre, said that monkeypox is unlikely to spread significantly, but wider transmission “can’t be ruled out.”
The U.K Health Security Agency said in a press release that monkeypox is “usually a mild self-limiting illness” that doesn’t spread easily.
“The risk to the UK population is low.”