Последний

UKHSA  опубликовало последний эпидемиологический обзор продолжающейся вспышки оспы обезьян.

Он показывает, что по состоянию на 28 июля 2022 года в Великобритании зарегистрировано 2469 подтвержденных и 77 высоковероятных случаев оспы обезьян: всего 2546 случаев. Из них 2436 находятся в Англии.

It also includes a breakdown of cases in England by region, which demonstrates that a significant majority of cases are in London.

Further epidemiological data and additional analysis can be found in UKHSA’s regular monkeypox technical briefings.

Previous

Tuesday 26 July 2022

UKHSA has published the latest epidemiological overview for the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

Up to 25 July 2022, there were 2,367 confirmed and 65 highly probable monkeypox cases in the UK: 2,432 in total.

To expand the UK’s capability to detect monkeypox cases, some NHS laboratories are now testing suspected monkeypox samples with an orthopox polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (orthopox is the group of viruses which monkeypox is part of). Since 25 July 2022, the monkeypox case definition recognises those who are orthopox-positive as highly probable cases, and those who test positive on a monkeypox PCR test as confirmed cases.

Dr Sophia Makki, National Incident Director at UKHSA, said:

Monkeypox cases continue to rise, with the virus being passed on predominantly in interconnected sexual networks. Before you have sex, go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters. If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician.

Vaccination will further strengthen our monkeypox response and so we urge all those who are eligible for the vaccine to take it up when offered. It will help protect yourself and others you have had close contact with. While the infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms and hospitalisation in some. Please remember that the vaccine may not provide complete protection against monkeypox, so it is still important to be alert for the symptoms of monkeypox and call 111 or a sexual health clinic if you develop any.

The NHS will provide the vaccine to those eligible, so please wait until you are contacted.

Friday 22 July 2022

UKHSA has published the latest epidemiological overview for the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

It shows that as of 21 July 2022, there were 2,208 confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 2,115 are in England.

UKHSA has also published its fourth technical briefing on the ongoing monkeypox outbreak today. The briefing is based on figures from 20 July 2022. So far, the evidence suggests that transmission continues to occur primarily within interconnected sexual networks. Currently we are not seeing significant levels of transmission outside of these networks, but we continue to monitor for changes.

The most recent data suggests that the growth of the outbreak may have slowed. This means that we continue to identify new infections but at a more stable rate.

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said:

While anyone can catch monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks.

Before you go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters. If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician. It can take up to 3 weeks for symptoms to appear after being in contact with someone with monkeypox, so stay alert for symptoms after you have skin to skin or sexual contact with someone new.

UKHSA will continue to publish regular technical briefings as the response to the outbreak continues.

Tuesday 19 July 2022

UKHSA procures more than 100,000 additional vaccine doses and updates close contact guidance as monkeypox cases rise to 2,137

UKHSA has published the latest epidemiological overview for the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

It shows that as of 18 July 2022, there were 2,137 confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 2,050 are in England.

It also includes a breakdown of cases in England by region, which demonstrates that a high proportion of cases are in London.

UKHSA guidance for close contacts of a confirmed monkeypox case has been updated. This means close contacts won’t need to isolate at home if they don’t have symptoms.

The change is being implemented in response to latest data showing that a relatively small number of close contacts have gone on to develop monkeypox and a lack of evidence of transmission outside of close intimate or sexual contact, now that more epidemiological information is available. It means the latest guidance is proportionate to the latest transmission risks identified and is in line with advice from the WHO, other European countries and the CDC.

For category 2 and category 3 close contacts we now recommend people:

• contact NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic if they develop a fever or any of the other symptoms described below
• avoid skin to skin contact with others, such as hugging and kissing
• refrain from sexual or intimate contact
• avoid international travel if possible; travel insurance may also not be valid for people advised not to travel
• let health or dental facility staff know they’re a close contact before attending for health or dental care

For category 3 close contacts:

• we recommend avoiding close contact with children aged under 5 years, pregnant women and those who have an impaired immune system
• if they work with children aged under 5 years, pregnant women or those who have an impaired immune system, UKHSA or their employer might inform them if they need to take time off – this decision will be based on a personalised clinical assessment

A smallpox vaccine is still being offered to close contacts with higher risk exposure on a case by case basis.

Trained health protection teams carry out detailed clinical assessments of each case to inform their recommendations and categorisation.

Dr Merav Kliner, Deputy Incident Director at UKHSA, said:

We have now passed over 2,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK, and the outbreak continues to grow.

Based on the growing evidence of how the monkeypox virus is being passed on in this outbreak, close contacts will no longer have to isolate for 21 days unless they develop symptoms.

While our advice on isolation is changing, monkeypox is still a serious public health challenge, and we urge contacts to take a break from any activities or events involving skin to skin contact, including sex, hugging and kissing to reduce the risk of the virus being passed on unknowingly. Stay alert to symptoms and call a sexual health clinic if you become unwell.

Thank you to all contacts who have isolated already in response to this outbreak. We understand that isolation can be difficult but this was a necessary precaution whilst our knowledge of the outbreak was limited.

In response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, UKHSA has procured more than 100,000 additional doses of the smallpox vaccine enabling more people to be vaccinated to prevent infection and limit transmission of the virus.

Additional doses will arrive from the manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, this month, with the remainder expected by September.

The UK previously procured nearly 30,000 doses, enabling the NHS to begin rollout of the vaccine programme to individuals who are most likely to acquire the virus.

While anyone can get monkeypox, the majority of cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks.

An individual’s eligibility for vaccination is detailed in the UKHSA vaccination strategy which was endorsed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The vaccine will be offered to some GBMSM who are more likely to acquire the virus, with eligibility based on a number of factors, similar to the criteria used to assess those eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), even if they are already living with HIV.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

Monkeypox is a rare and usually mild disease that does not spread easily between people, but we are taking action to help further manage the outbreak in the UK by procuring over 100,000 additional doses of vaccine.

The NHS is already contacting those eligible for the vaccine, and I would urge people to take up the offer as soon as they are contacted. In the meantime, please contact a sexual health clinic if you notice any unusual rashes or lesions.

I am hugely grateful to the fantastic sexual health staff and 111 call handlers for working hard to keep the current outbreak under control.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said:

These additional doses mean that we are in an even stronger position to bring the current monkeypox outbreak under control, ensuring those most likely to acquire the virus are protected from infection. We would like to thank our colleagues in sexual health services for all their hard work in rolling out the vaccination programme.

Although most cases of monkeypox in the current outbreak are mild, severe illness can occur in some people, so it is important we use the available vaccine to reach groups where transmission is occurring.

Anyone can get monkeypox and we continue to urge anyone with a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, to take a break from events, meeting with friends or having sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.

The NHS is already rolling out the vaccine to those who are more likely to acquire the virus, including healthcare workers in specialist roles and in clinics where exposure to monkeypox is highest.

The NHS is contacting GBMSM who are eligible for the vaccine.

Friday 15 July 2022

UKHSA has published the latest epidemiological overview for the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

It shows that as of 14 July 2022, there were 1,856 confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 1,778 are in England.

It also includes a breakdown of cases in England by region, which demonstrates that a significant majority of cases are in London.

Full guidance on semen testing for monkeypox for clinicians has been published.

The evidence relating to the transmission of monkeypox through semen is limited at the present time. In line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidance, UKHSA is now advising people to use condoms for 12 weeks after infection. This is a precaution to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to a partner.

We continue to advise those with monkeypox to not have sex while symptomatic and while lesions are present.

Further epidemiological data and additional analysis can be found in UKHSA’s regular monkeypox technical briefings.

Tuesday 12 July 2022

UKHSA has published the latest epidemiological overview for the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

It shows that as of 11 July, there were 1,735 confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 1,660 are in England.

It also includes a breakdown of cases in England by region, which demonstrates that a significant majority of cases are in London.

Further epidemiological data and additional analysis can be found in UKHSA’s regular monkeypox technical briefings.

Friday 8 July 2022

UKHSA has published the latest epidemiological overview for the ongoing monkeypox outbreak.

It shows that as of 7 July, there were 1,552 confirmed cases in the UK. Of these, 1,482 are in England.

It also includes a breakdown of cases in England by region, which demonstrates that a significant majority of cases are in London.

Further epidemiological data and additional analysis can be found in UKHSA’s regular monkeypox technical briefings.

Tuesday 5 July 2022

As of 4 July, the total number of monkeypox cases in the UK is 1,351.

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said:

While anyone can catch monkeypox, the majority of monkeypox cases in the UK continue to be in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), with the infection being passed on mainly through close contact between people in interconnected sexual networks.

Before you go to a party or event, check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters. If you have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from attending events or sex until you’ve called 111 or a sexual health service and been assessed by a clinician. It can take up to 3 weeks for symptoms to appear after being in contact with someone with monkeypox, so stay alert for symptoms after you have skin to skin or sexual contact with someone new.

As of July 2022, the current outbreak clade of monkeypox is no longer classified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID), following review by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) and agreement by the UK 4 nations public health agencies.

This does not alter the public health response or measures taken to control monkeypox, but relates to which clinical pathways are used in the NHS.

This decision has been taken because the current outbreak does not meet the criteria for a high consequence infectious disease, which is defined as having a high mortality rate and a lack of available interventions.

We have had no reported deaths from monkeypox in the UK and we have vaccine available for higher risk contacts, healthcare workers who are caring for and who are due to start caring for a patient with confirmed monkeypox, and a new vaccination programme for those who are most at risk.

Future importations of monkeypox directly from West Africa as well as cases caused by the Congo basin clade of the virus will still be classified as HCIDs as we cannot predict their characteristics.

UKHSA is now working to adapt case and contact management using the growing body of evidence about the outbreak. The majority of contacts of cases will no longer be contacted every day following their initial notification and will instead be provided with contact details to approach if they develop symptoms.

This change has been made in light of the emerging evidence about disease severity, meaning that suspected cases do not need to be rapidly transferred to hospital.

NHS England is due to set out details on how eligible people can get vaccinated shortly. People are advised not to come forward for the vaccine until contacted.

Friday 1 July 2022

UKHSA has published the latest data report on monkeypox in the UK.

As of Thursday 30 June, there are 1,235 confirmed cases in the UK.

Wendi Shepherd, monkeypox incident director at UKHSA, says:

The monkeypox outbreak continues to grow. Our investigations and information from confirmed cases continue to show that the overwhelming majority of cases are in gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.

This weekend, let’s enjoy Pride safely – before you go to any events or parties, check yourself for blister-like spots and rashes. Please don’t attend if you have monkeypox symptoms or feel unwell.

If you have a rash or blisters, stay at home, phone a sexual health clinic, and get tested. Please be vigilant for any monkeypox symptoms in the coming weeks – especially if you are having sex with someone new.

To assist with our contact tracing, we encourage everyone to ensure they exchange contact details with sexual partners, to help us limit further transmission where cases occur.

Anyone can get monkeypox and it can spread from person to person through:

• touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the monkeypox rash
• touching monkeypox skin blisters or scabs (including during sex)
• the coughs or sneezes of a person with the monkeypox rash

We have been advising event organisers throughout the outbreak. See the latest guidance for organised events and mass gatherings.

Tuesday 28 June 2022

UKHSA has published the latest data report on monkeypox in the UK.

As of Sunday 26 June, there are 1,076 confirmed cases in the UK.

This report is published every Tuesday and Friday.

Dr Sophia Makki, Incident director at UKHSA said:

The monkeypox outbreak in the UK continues to grow, with over a thousand cases now confirmed nationwide. We expect cases to continue to rise further in the coming days and weeks.

If you are attending large events over the summer or having sex with new partners, be alert to any monkeypox symptoms so you can get tested rapidly and help avoid passing the infection on.

Currently the majority of cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men. However, anyone who has had close contact with an individual with symptoms is also at increased risk.

If you are concerned that you may have monkeypox, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. 

We are grateful to all the people who have come forward so far for testing and to assist us with our contact tracing.

Tuesday 21 June 2022

UKHSA is now publishing a regular data report on monkeypox in the UK.

The report will be published every Tuesday and Friday.

Dr Sophia Makki, Incident Director at UKHSA, said:

We continue to see a steady increase in monkeypox cases. We’re reminding everyone to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others.

If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been reviewed by a clinician.

Monday 20 June 2022

From this week, UKHSA will be moving to a twice-weekly schedule for reporting monkeypox case numbers in the UK.

Updated case data will be published on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning on Tuesday 21 June.

Friday 17 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 46 additional cases of monkeypox in England, 3 additional cases in Scotland and 1 in Wales.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 574, as of 16 June.

There are currently 550 confirmed cases in England, 16 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 6 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Dr William Welfare, Incident Director at UKHSA, said:

As case numbers of monkeypox continue to rise and with many summer events and festivals ahead, we’re reminding people to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox, particularly if you’ve recently had new or multiple sexual partners, to help prevent further spread and protect others.

If you have a rash with blisters, or any other monkeypox symptoms, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been seen by a clinician.

UKHSA is working closely with partners across the country, including event organisers and venues, to raise public awareness of monkeypox symptoms so everyone has a safe, happy and healthy summer.

Wednesday 15 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 52 additional cases of monkeypox in England, one additional case in Scotland and one in Wales.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 524, as of 14 June.

There are currently 504 confirmed cases in England, 13 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 5 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks.
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks.

Monday 13 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 104 additional cases of monkeypox in England.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 470, as of 12 June.

There are currently 452 confirmed cases in England, 12 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 4 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks.
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

UKHSA publishes first monkeypox technical briefing

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its first technical briefing on the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. The briefing shares UKHSA analysis with other public health investigators and academic partners.

This first publication includes updated epidemiological data, with evidence from anonymised detailed interviews with patients which are helping us to understand transmission and to determine how to target interventions.

Of the cases interviewed, 81% were known to be London residents and 99% were male. The median age of confirmed cases in the UK was 38 years old.

152 cases participated in more detailed questionnaires. In this data, 151 of the 152 men interviewed identified as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men, or reported same sex contact. Recent foreign travel, within 21 days prior to symptom onset, was reported by 75 cases, with 59 of these reporting travel within Europe.

We also share preliminary assessment of the genomic differences between the outbreak virus and previous monkeypox viruses. In any emerging infection outbreak we assess the virus or bacteria for any changes. We will be working to investigate the significance of the mutations identified so far to determine if they will have any impact on the virus’ behaviour

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, UKHSA said:

We are working, both in the UK and together with global partners, to progress the investigations that we need to help us better understand the virus, its transmission and the best use of mitigations such as vaccines and treatments. We use the new data rapidly to inform the public health response and we continue to work to reduce transmission. 

We are grateful to all those who have come forward for testing and the patients who continue to help us understand the outbreak through participating in studies and investigations.

UKHSA has identified a number of aspects of this outbreak which require further investigation. We will release the results of our ongoing investigations in subsequent technical briefings – these will be published regularly.

Friday 10 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 43 additional cases of monkeypox in England, one additional case in Scotland and one additional case in Wales.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 366, as of 9 June.

There are currently 348 confirmed cases in England, 12 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 4 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks

• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Wednesday 8 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 18 additional cases of monkeypox in England, and one additional case in Scotland.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 321, as of 7 June.

There are currently 305 confirmed cases in England, 11 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 3 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. People who are gay or bisexual and men who have sex with men remain disproportionately affected.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks

• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Tuesday 7 June 2022

Monkeypox designated a notifiable disease

Monkeypox is to be listed as a notifiable disease in law from 8 June 2022. 

Legislation has been laid today (7 June 2022) which will make monkeypox a notifiable infectious disease under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 from 8 June 2022. 

This means all doctors in England are required to notify their local council or local Health Protection Team (HPT) if they suspect a patient has monkeypox. Laboratories must also notify the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) if the monkeypox virus is identified in a laboratory sample.

Wendi Shepherd, monkeypox incident director at UKHSA, said:

Rapid diagnosis and reporting is the key to interrupting transmission and containing any further spread of monkeypox. This new legislation will support us and our health partners to swiftly identify, treat and control the disease.

It also supports us with the swift collection and analysis of data which enables us to detect possible outbreaks of the disease and trace close contacts rapidly, whilst offering vaccinations where appropriate to limit onward transmission.

Full guidance about reporting notifiable diseases and causative organisms can be found on GOV.UK.

It is important anyone concerned they may have symptoms of monkeypox feels able to access healthcare and clinical advice immediately.

To enable this, The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2022 have been amended making the diagnosis and treatment of monkeypox, and suspected monkeypox, exempt from charges for all overseas visitors.

Monday 6 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 73 additional cases of monkeypox in England, 2 additional cases in Scotland and 2 in Wales.

This brings the total number confirmed in the UK to 302, as of 5 June.

There are currently 287 confirmed cases in England, 10 in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 3 in Wales.

Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. People who are gay or bisexual and men who have sex with men remain disproportionately affected.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Friday 3 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 15 additional cases of monkeypox in England and 3 in Scotland.

This brings the total number confirmed in England to 214, as of 2 June.

There are currently 8 confirmed cases in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales, taking the UK total to 225.

Anyone can get monkeypox. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, so it’s particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you’re in these groups.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Thursday 2 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 11 additional cases of monkeypox in England.

This brings the total number confirmed in England to 199, as of 1 June.

There are currently 5 confirmed cases in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales, taking the UK total to 207.

Anyone can get monkeypox. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, so it’s particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you’re in these groups.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

Wednesday 1 June 2022

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 5 additional cases of monkeypox in England and 1 in Scotland.

This brings the total number confirmed in England to 188, as of 31 May.

There are currently 5 confirmed cases in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales, taking the UK total to 196.

Anyone can get monkeypox. Currently most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, so it’s particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you’re in these groups.

Contact a sexual health clinic if you have a rash with blisters and you’ve been either:

• in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

A further epidemiological update on the current outbreak using data up to 30 May has been published.

Tuesday 31 May 2022

Eleven new monkeypox cases identified in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 11 additional cases of monkeypox in England.

The latest cases, as of 30 May, bring the total number confirmed in England since 7 May to 183.

There are currently 4 confirmed cases in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales, taking the UK total to 190.

The risk to the UK population remains low, but we are asking people to be alert to any new rashes or lesions, which would appear like spots, ulcers or blisters, on any part of their body.

Although this advice applies to everyone, the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so we are asking these people in particular to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.

You should call NHS 111 or a sexual health centre immediately if you have a rash with blisters. Do not go to a sexual health clinic without contacting them first. Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people until you’ve been told what to do.

Dr Ruth Milton, Senior Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said:

The risk to the general public from monkeypox is still low, but it’s important that we work to limit the virus being passed on. We remind people that they should be alert to new spots, ulcers or blisters on any part of their body. If anyone suspects they might have these, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible, though please phone ahead before attending in person.

UKHSA health protection teams are contacting people considered to be high-risk contacts of confirmed cases and are advising those who have been risk assessed and remain well to isolate at home for up to 21 days.

Monday 30 May 2022

Seventy-one additional monkeypox cases identified in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 71 additional cases of monkeypox in England.

The latest cases, as of 29 May, bring the total number confirmed in England since 7 May to 172.

There are currently 4 confirmed cases in Scotland, 2 in Northern Ireland and 1 in Wales, taking the UK total to 179.

The risk to the UK population remains low, but we are asking people to be alert to any new rashes or lesions, which would appear like spots, ulcers or blisters, on any part of their body.

Although this advice applies to everyone, the majority of the cases identified to date have been among men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so we are asking these people in particular to be aware of the symptoms, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner.

You should call NHS 111 or a sexual health centre immediately if you have a rash with blisters and either, you:

• have been in close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they have not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks

• have been to West or Central Africa in the past 3 weeks

• are a man who has sex with men

Tell the person you speak to if you have had close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox, or if you’ve recently travelled to central or west Africa.

Do not go to a sexual health clinic without contacting them first. Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people until you’ve been told what to do.

Additionally, today, UKHSA has published guidance principles agreed across all 4 UK nations on how to effectively limit transmission of monkeypox and limit onward transmission when cases are identified.

This includes advice and protocols for those testing positive for monkeypox, their close contacts and anyone involved in their treatment or care, including healthcare workers. The principles are already in use in response to the outbreak, and today’s publication confirms the UK’s aligned response.

Dr Ruth Milton, Senior Medical Advisor at