THE council says it is in contact with government health officials over the national monkeypox outbreak, with one local health leader urging anyone who has concerns to contact the NHS.

A total of 56 cases have so far been confirmed in England by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), with more expected to follow.

A total of 85 cases have also been confirmed in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, making it the largest outbreak outside Africa in 50 years.

Normally spread by wild animals in central and west Africa, the disease does not spread easily between people and experts have been quick to offer assurances that it is not comparable to the Covid-19 pandemic. But the spike in cases has caused some concern among global health leaders.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “UKHSA and the NHS are working with all local councils in the UK to share public health information with local communities and limit the spread of monkeypox.

“The illness is usually mild and most individuals will recover in a few weeks without treatment. It remains a rare disease in the UK."

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it not as severe.

Early symptoms include high temperature, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen glands, shivering and exhaustion, with a rash usually appearing up to five days after the first symptoms. It can be treated with the smallpox vaccine along with antiviral drugs.

The UKHSA has warned that high-risk close contacts of confirmed monkeypox cases should isolate for 21 days.

Mr Ashworth added: "Anyone with concerns that they could be infected should see a health professional but make contact with the clinic or surgery ahead of a visit. NHS 111 can also give advice.”

A large percentage of the new cases have been identified among gay and bisexual men. Even though it is not normally treated as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed on by direct contact. It can also be spread through touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the infection and through the coughs and sneezes of somebody who is infected.