THE number of confirmed monkeypox cases across the country have reached 56 as the virus appears to be on the rise.

On Monday afternoon, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the latest figure of cases across England.

Meanwhile, Scotland health officials have recorded their first ever case of monkeypox in the country.

Read more: Monkeypox: The number of confirmed cases in the North East

It comes as Government data has confirmed one patient is being treated for the virus at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

The Northern Echo: Picture: CONTRIBUTORPicture: CONTRIBUTOR

Transmission between people is occurring in the UK, with a large proportion of cases identified in the gay, bisexual and men who have sex with other men community.

Monkeypox is not normally a sexually-transmitted infection, but it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.

It can also be spread through touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash, and through the coughs and sneezes of somebody with the infection.

Read more: Aircraft owners evicted from Teesside Airport after 40 years

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said monkeypox is a rare disease but it is important to “keep an eye on it”.

He told reporters on a visit to a school in south-east London: “It’s basically a very rare disease and so far the consequences don’t seem to be very serious, but it’s important that we keep an eye on it and that’s exactly what the the new UK Health Security Agency is doing.”

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054