The Royal Free London can confirm that we are treating a patient for monkeypox. He is in a stable condition in isolation.

We are working closely with Public Health England and there is no risk to our staff or patients.

Dr Michael Jacobs, clinical director of infection at the Royal Free London, said: “Monkeypox is, in most cases, a mild condition which will resolve on its own and have no long-term effects on a person’s health. Most people recover within several weeks.

“It is a rare disease caused by monkeypox virus, and has been reported mainly in central and west African countries.

“It does not spread easily between people and the risk of transmission to the wider public is very low. We are using strict isolation procedures in hospital to protect our staff and patients.”​