Monkeypox outbreak myths FACT CHECKED

The disease is not confined to gay and bisexual men

While the first few monkeypox cases appeared among LGBTQ men, monkeypox’s association with the gay community is an “unfortunate coincidence” Dr Fivelman said.

He said: “The virus has no connection to HIV-Aids, and, though a notable proportion of recently reported cases are amongst the LGBTQ community this is, in all probability, an unfortunate coincidence.

“Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, but it can spread through intimate contact during sex when someone has an active rash.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) is clear that ‘anyone who has close physical contact of any kind with someone who has monkeypox is at risk, regardless of who they are, what they do, who they choose to have sex with, or any other factor’.”