On Wednesday 14 August, the World Health Organisation declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern.
The Scottish Government, along with the other governments of the UK, have met to discuss what has happened, and what we need to do to be prepared.
There are three key bits of information I wanted to share with constituents:
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The overall risk to the UK population remains low; however, there is widespread planning underway across government to manage with any potential cases in the UK and help prevent transmission. |
| Mpox is a viral illness - spread can be prevented by people with a rash2 avoiding contact with others until the rash has resolved and those who are contacts of cases seeking prompt medical attention. |
| Anyone who is concerned about mpox is advised to follow the NHS advice which is available on NHS Inform at www.nhsinform.scot/mpox |
A letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care was sent to all MSPs. You can read a copy below:
office@bob-doris.scot 
Bob Doris MSP, Maryhill Burgh Halls, 24 Gairbraid Avenue, Maryhill, Glasgow, G20 8YE