First monkeypox case confirmed in Wales

The first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Wales (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)
The first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Wales (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire)

The first case of monkeypox has been confirmed in Wales, health officials have said.

Dr Giri Shankar, director of health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “We are working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, and we are ready to respond to cases of monkeypox in Wales.

“The case is being managed appropriately. To protect patient confidentiality, no further details relating to the patient will be disclosed.”

There are now believed to be 79 cases of monkeypox in the UK.

The UKHSA will update the totals later on Thursday.