Hospital bosses have moved to squash fake news about Monkeypox reaching Preston.

A post by the City of Preston News Network on Facebook has been widely shared claiming there is a police presence in Cannon Street due to someone being suspected of having the disease.

Taking aim at the Facebook post a statement from the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who managed Royal Preston Hospital, said: “Whilst we love a good joke, only Dumbassi people spread false, frightening information like this.

“So, just to reassure those who have not yet realised this post is actually a (bad) joke, WE ARE NOT treating any individual for monkeypox at Royal Preston Hospital.

“Monkeypox does not actually spread easily between people and the overall risk to the general public is very low.”

They have advised people to look at an article on the government website regarding Monkeypox – after one person in Cornwall and one person in Blackpool were diagnosed.

The second case, in Blackpool, was transferred to Royal Liverpool University Hospital for treatment.

Dr Mike Beadsworth, Clinical Director of the Tropical and Infectious Diseases Unit said: “We are treating a patient who has tested positive for monkeypox. The patient is being cared for on our specialist infectious and tropical diseases unit, by highly trained staff who are experienced in dealing with a variety of infectious diseases.

“All necessary precautions are being taken by specialist staff and there is currently no risk to other staff, patients or visitors.

“We ask that people continue to use our services as normal and that people only come to our emergency department if their condition is serious and/or an emergency.”