More than 100 new monkeypox cases have been confirmed in England.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today said it has has detected 104 additional cases of monkeypox in England.
This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 470 as of 12 June.
There are currently 452 confirmed cases in England, 12 in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland and four in Wales.
Last week health chiefs issued new isolation guidance including social distancing - urging those with the virus to sleep in separate beds and stay at least one metre apart from those they live with.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there had been 1,472 confirmed cases in 33 countries where the virus is not endemic by this morning.
Spain has the second highest figure, with 275 known cases, while Portugal, Germany and Canada have also recorded more than 100.
But different testing capacity means the figures are unlikely to give a full picture.
The UKHSA said: "Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men."
Scientists say monkeypox mainly spreads between people through direct, skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
It can also be spread via contaminated objects such as linen and soft furnishings.
Guidance issued by the UKHSA urges people to try and eat and sleep in a different room from those they live with if possible.
It says: "Where the use of a separate room isn’t possible, cases should avoid physical contact and keep at least 3 steps (1 metre) away from all household members.
"It is particularly important that they avoid close contact with young children, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people as they may be at higher risk of serious illness."
Those diagnosed with monkeypox and highest-risk contacts should isolate at home, the guidance says.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said: "Self-isolation is an important measure for protecting others from monkeypox.
"Staying at home and doing all we can to avoid close contact with other people in the household will prevent the spread of this virus.
"We know that self-isolation is not easy for some so it’s important that people ask for support if needed."
