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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Sian Traynor

Monkeypox Scotland: Health officials investigating 'small number' of cases

Public Health officials in Scotland have stated they are ‘investigating’ a series of potential monkeypox cases in Scotland.

In recent days, one official case of the virus has been confirmed north of the border, with 78 now recorded in the UK.

However, on Wednesday (May 25), Public Health Scotland stated a number of NHS boards are looking into more potential cases throughout Scotland.

Although no comment was made on individual cases being investigated, an Inverness court was recently adjourned and the trial suspended temporarily due to a witness potentially displaying symptoms.

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With the number of cases throughout the UK rising, people have been asked to keep an eye out for the symptoms of monkeypox, which include unusual rashes or lesions on any part of the body.

According to the NHS, symptoms can also include a fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion.

Speaking previously, PHS explained that the condition could be transmitted before the rash appears, and urged people to be aware of the initial signs.

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The monkeypox rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body including the genitals.

The rash changes and goes through different stages, and can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab, which later falls off.

A PHS spokesperson said: “In line with national protocols, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with NHS Boards and wider partners to investigate a small number of potential cases of monkeypox in Scotland.

“As announced on 23 May, there is one confirmed case of monkeypox in Scotland.”

They added: “It would not be appropriate for PHS to comment on individuals.”

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