Monkeypox has reached the Isle of Wight, according to government data from August 9, but case numbers here were counted as fewer than 5.

Isle of Wight councillor for public health and adult social care, Karl Love, has moved to reassure Islanders that there is a supply of vaccines, amid reports of a shortage.

Cllr Love said: "We have a supply which should see us through until additional supplies can be sourced." 

Urging Islanders to 'take actions where possible to safeguard themselves', Cllr Love said: "I am in close conversation with our director of public health, Simon Bryant. We are monitoring closely the current situation."

What to do if you are worried about monkeypox on the Isle of Wight

Cllr Love says, if you suspect you might have monkeypox, call 111 for advice.  

Don’t turn up at hospital, to see your doctor, or at NHS sexual health services without first warning them of your suspicions. 

The NHS advises only a small number of people in the UK have had monkeypox and the risk remains low.

It says you're extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if you have not been in close contact with someone who has it and/or if you have not recently travelled to west or central Africa.

Men who are gay or bisexual are being urged to be aware of the symptoms, however, anyone can get monkeypox.

Cllr Karl Love said: "Public health messages are most effective when targeted at people who are most at risk of any virus or public health outbreak. 

"We need the whole island population to pull together and be supportive. 

"Please keep talking to your family about staying safe and sexual relationships." 

Useful links for Islanders concerned about monkeypox:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/