Public Health England (PHE) can confirm that a second individual has been diagnosed with monkeypox in Blackpool.
There is no UK link to the patient diagnosed last week in Cornwall who is currently receiving care at the Royal Free in London. This second patient had travelled to Nigeria where they are believed to have acquired the infection. The second case first presented at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and following a positive test result was transferred to Royal Liverpool University Hospital, an expert respiratory infectious disease centre, where they are receiving appropriate care.
Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director, National Infection Service at PHE: “We know that in September 2017 Nigeria experienced a large sustained outbreak of monkeypox and since then sporadic cases have continued to be reported. It is likely that monkeypox continues to circulate in Nigeria and could, therefore, affect travellers who are returning from this part of the world.
“However, it is very unusual to see 2 cases in such a relatively short space of time. We are working hard to contact individuals, including healthcare workers, that might have come into contact with the individual to provide information and health advice.”
Dr Mike Beadsworth, Clinical Director of the Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit said: “We are treating a patient who has tested positive for monkeypox. The patient is being cared for on our specialist infectious and tropical diseases unit, by highly trained staff who are experienced in dealing with a variety of infectious diseases.
“All necessary precautions are being taken by specialist staff and there is currently no risk to other staff, patients or visitors.
“We ask that people continue to use our services as normal and that people only come to our emergency department if their condition is serious and/or an emergency.”