Britain had previously reported a total of nine cases of the usually mild viral illness, characterised by symptoms of fever as well as a distinctive bumpy rash.

The UK Health Security Agency confirmed the new cases, health minister Sajid Javid said on Friday.

"UKHSA have confirmed 11 new cases of monkeypox in the UK. This morning I updated G7 Health Ministers on what we know so far," Javid said on Twitter.

"Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against Monkeypox."

There are now 20 cases recorded in the UK.

Earlier 14 new cases of monkeypox were reported in Spain, bringing that country's total to 21.

Other cases have been detected elsewhere in Europe and in Australia and the US.

The viral disease typically spreads through close contact and largely occurs in west and central Africa.

Experts suspect the pathogen that causes monkeypox circulates in rodents - monkeys are so-called false hosts.

It has rarely spread elsewhere, so this fresh spate of cases outside the continent has triggered concern.

Australian Associated Press