The first monkeypox case has officially been detected in the Maltese islands, the Health authorities have announced.

A 38-year-old male resident of Malta who recently travelled back from a country where monkeypox has been detected is the first local case. 

While experiencing light symptoms of monkeypox, he was ordered to isolate himself at home, as his condition is not serious enough to require medical attention as of yet.

While monkeypox is a relatively rare disease, it has been spreading all over the world in recent weeks, with many countries starting to register their first cases.

More than 250 cases have been reported in at least 16 countries, according to the World Health Organization. Experts say it is spread by close and prolonged contact with an infected individual.

The symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox. But monkeypox symptoms are typically milder.