The Isle of Wight has recorded its first cases of Monkeypox, it's been confirmed.
However, Government figures show there are fewer than five cases here.
Amid talk of vaccine shortages, the councillor in charge of public health is reassuring Islanders there are enough supplies.
"I wanted to reassure islanders that we have a supply of Monkey Pox vaccine on the island which should see us through until additional supplies can be sourced", Cllr Karl Love said.
Cllr Love said he is in contact with Director of Public Health for the Island, Simon Bryant, and the situation is being 'closely monitored'.
He said:
"It was inevitable that this would occur as this virus is spreading throughout the world and UK.
"We continue to support awareness campaigns about the symptoms and how to access testing and vaccination for Monkeypox."
Islanders who suspect they may have the infection are urged to call 111.
Cllr Love said: "please don’t just turn up at the hospital, doctors or NHS sexual health services without first warning them of your suspicions."
There has recently been a recent surge of Monkeypox cases in the UK, but NHS England insists the risk of catching it remains low.
Anyone can get it but most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men, NHS England states.
Cllr Love added:
"We need the whole Island population to pull together and be supportive as we would be in any other health emergency and outbreak.
"Please keep talking to your family about staying safe and sexual relationships."
A list of symptoms and advice can be found here.
Simon Bryant, director of public health at the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“While the most recent data suggests the growth of the outbreak has slowed, we continue to see new cases every day nationally.
“While anyone can get monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact in interconnected sexual networks.
“Vaccination will further strengthen our monkeypox response and so we urge all those who are eligible for the vaccine to take it up when offered. It will help protect yourself and others you have had close contact with. While the infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms and hospitalisation in some.
“Please remember that the vaccine may not provide complete protection against monkeypox, so it is still important to be alert for the symptoms of monkeypox and call NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic if you develop any.
“The NHS will provide the vaccine to those eligible, so please wait until you are contacted.”
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
Top Marks For Gurnard Primary Playground Project
Marathon Runners Raising Funds For Isle Of Wight Youth Trust As Part Of Mental Health Awareness Week
Body Of Man In 40s Discovered Following Brighstone Fire
Food And Fuel Support Extended For Island Families In Need
Hovertravel Releases More Than 60 Late Flights For July And August
