Monkeypox sufferer waited 12 hours for ambulance, despite being told he needed urgent medical attention

Health authorities told the 'terrified' dad of one to stay indoors and even threatened to have him arrested if he went outside

THE husband of the hospital worker struck by monkeypox waited 12 hours for an ambulance when he fell sick despite being told he was a “priority”.

The builder, 50, was “terrified” when health officials ordered him to stay at home alone and threatened him with arrest if he went outside.

The dad of one broke out in spots on Wednesday morning and was suffering flu-like symptoms.

But an ambulance did not get to his home in Fleetwood, Lancs, until 10.30pm, 12 hours after he was told he needed urgent medical attention.

Friends and family who socialised with the couple over the past few days have been put on alert.

A pal of the builder said: “Everyone is worried they could be next.”

They added: “He’s been so unwell he took some time off work.

Hopefully his mates are not at risk.”

Public Health England said last night it was still awaiting test results.

Most sufferers recover in a few weeks but it kills up to one in ten.

There is no vaccine or cure for monkeypox but the smallpox jab does offer some protection.

Some health workers treating infected patients and others at high risk are being given this.

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