23 suspected cases of monkeypox are being investigated in Spain, after a number of cases were first reported in the United Kingdom.
In a statement, the health ministry said that the 23 suspected cases – all in the Madrid region – had yet to be confirmed, but issued a nationwide alert “to guarantee a swift, coordinated and timely response”.
Symptoms of monkeypox in humans include lesions, fever, muscle ache and chills. Most people recover from the illness within several weeks.
Transmission is usually via close contact with infected animals such as rodents and monkeys, and is limited between people. It has only been fatal in rare cases.
