THERE have now been 13 cases of monkeypox reported in Scotland, public health officials say.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) confirmed on Tuesday that the cases had been identified in laboratories.

PHS said it has not identified a common link but that investigations are continuing.

The individuals affected are receiving care and contact tracing is continuing.

Symptoms of monkeypox, a rare infection primarily spread by animals in west or central Africa, include a high temperature, a headache, exhaustion and shivering amongst other things.

The NHS has confirmed that it is not spread easily but can be caught through touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash.