The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest mpox outbreak epidemiological overview, which provides an update to the number of confirmed and highly probable mpox cases in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
It shows that in 2023 so far (up to 30 June 2023) there have been 29 cases of mpox reported in the UK. Of these, 28 were in England (14 cases were presumed to have acquired mpox in the UK, 11 were acquired outside the UK and three awaiting classification) and one was in Scotland (an imported case acquired outside the UK).
Between 1-30 June 2023, and since UKHSA’s last epidemiological overview, eight new cases have been reported, seven of which were in London. This follows the announcement of an extended vaccination offer in London.
Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “These latest statistics show that while numbers of cases remain very low, we should not be complacent about mpox – with eight new cases reported in June, seven of which were in London. We recently extended vaccinations for those in London, and I’d encourage all those eligible to come forward now.
“Vaccination has played a crucial role in protecting people and reducing case numbers, and eligible people outside of London have until the end of this month to come forward for vaccination. While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms so it’s important people protect themselves from infection.”