CUMBRIA is 'prepared' for potential cases of the monkeypox virus.

Colin Cox, the county's director of public health, urged anyone with signs of the virus to seek attention but said most people do not need to be alarmed about monkeypox.

Nineteen cases of the virus have been confirmed in the North West. 

Symptoms include rashes, lesions and blisters.

Mr Cox said: "We're prepared for monkeypox in Cumbria

"The figures are being released on a regional basis.

"People should be aware but it's much more difficult to spread than Covid.

"The majority of people shouldn't need to worry at all about monkeypox.

"If you see unusual rashes it might make sense to get it checked out."

The UK total is 524 cases.

Most cases are mild but the World Health Organisations said it had seen some complications and some admissions to hospital.

The virus can be passed on by sexual activity, coughing or sneezing, or contact with monkeypox scabs - including via bedding, towels or clothing.

Most people recover within several weeks, although some can suffer a severe illness.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that anyone with a rash with blisters should contact a sexual health clinic if they have also had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have had monkeypox in the past three weeks, or if they have travelled to West or Central Africa in the past three weeks.

Yvonne Doyle, medical director for public health at the NHS in England, said she was 'not worried about monkeypox'.

She told the NHS ConfedExpo conference: "I'm not worried about monkeypox because we have a very good group of people advising the country about it.

"They are really on the ball and they are giving out clear and honest authentic information.

"As always, the health protection service is looking after its population in the best possible way."