UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published its latest mpox (monkeypox) outbreak epidemiological overview, which provides an update to the number of confirmed and highly probable mpox cases in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The overview shows that in 2023 so far (up to 27 February 2023) there have been a further six cases of mpox reported in the UK, highlighting “how low case numbers have been sustained across the UK for a number of months now”.
Of these, five were in England (three cases were presumed to have acquired mpox in the UK and two were imported cases in returning travellers) and one was in Scotland (an imported case in a returning traveller).
Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said: “This new data shows we are continuing to see a very low number of mpox cases identified across all four nations of the UK. Through our strategy, and with continued support from our partners and the public, we hope to maintain this trend and move towards our ultimate goal of eliminating transmission of the disease in the UK.
“This significant reduction in cases is thanks to the rapid rollout of vaccines by the NHS and sexual health services and widespread awareness of the symptoms, as well as people taking action to protect themselves and prevent further transmission. As we head towards the summer, I urge all those who are eligible but haven’t yet had both doses of the vaccine to come forward to ensure they have the best protection.”
To see the overview, CLICK HERE
