Monkeypox cases plateau across UK as two more cases found in Scotland
THE number of monkeypox cases in the UK is beginning to plateau, according to new figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The organisation said there have been 2,859 cases of the illness recorded in the UK, with the majority being transmitted between gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with other men.
The median age of those infected is 37 while 73 per cent of cases in England are among London residents.
In Scotland, two more monkeypox cases have been detected, bringing the number of confirmed cases north of the Border to nearly 70 since May.
Figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS) revealed on Friday there have been 67 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus north of the Border since May 23.
It is an increase of two since the previous update on Tuesday.
The rise comes as LGBT+ groups from across the political spectrum joined forces to demand an increase in efforts to combat monkeypox or risk it becoming “endemic”.
The US on Thursday declared a public health emergency over the virus, which in the majority of the cases seen so far affects gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men.
Last month, the World Health Organisation called it a global emergency.
Those in Scotland who have the virus are receiving care in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance, PHS said. Close contacts of the cases are being identified and provided with health information, advice and, where appropriate, vaccination.
So far, 3,000 vaccine pre-exposure doses have been allocated to Scotland and they have been alloted to health boards across the country, which are responsible for identifying and offering vaccination to eligible individuals.
Dr Nick Phin, director of public health science and medical director at PHS, said: “With monkeypox cases increasing globally, there is increased demand for the smallpox vaccine that is used for the programme, yet there is a limited supply.
“We are working closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure that the further vaccinations are acquired and are offered to those at highest risk first.
“As more supplies become available, more people will be offered a first dose.”