A medical professional has become the third person in the UK to be struck down with the deadly monkeypox virus. Public Health England revealed the unidentified medic had treated the second patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Dr Nick Phin, deputy director, of the National Infection Service at PHE, said: 'This healthcare worker cared for the patient before a diagnosis of monkeypox was made.

'We have been actively monitoring contacts for 21 days after exposure to detect anyone presenting with an illness so that they can be assessed quickly. 'This person has been isolated and we are taking a highly precautionary approach to ensure that all contacts are traced.' ..

[link to www.dailymail.co.uk (secure)]