UK Monkeypox cases hit 2,859 as doctor urges vigilance despite signs outbreak has slowed

The number of monkeypox cases in the UK has hit 2,859 as doctors have urged vigilance despite signs the outbreak is “plateauing”.

The latest figures released by the government suggest that the ongoing outbreak has begun to slow down.

It comes as the second death from monkeypox in Europe was confirmed last week.

Since the last update, there have been an additional 100 confirmed or highly probable cases.

So far, the majority of people who have been affected are men who are gay, bisexual or men who have sex with other men.

London remains the epicentre of the UK’s outbreak accounting for 73 per cent of cases.

One of the most prominent symptoms of monkeypox has been rashes and lesions on the skin (gov.uk)

The past few weeks have seen a small number of women confirmed to have monkeypox but, so far, the government said there was no evidence to suggest transmission existed outside of “interconnected sexual networks”.

Whilst 22 cases in women have been identified, 99 per cent of all UK cases are men.

Dr Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections, UKHSA, said: “While the most recent data suggests the growth of the outbreak has slowed, we cannot be complacent. Be vigilant of and check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters.

The first confirmed monkeypox case in the UK was confirmed on May 12 (gov.uk)

“If you are concerned that you may have monkeypox symptoms, 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 smallpox vaccine is being offered to individuals at higher risk of coming into contact with monkeypox in order to offer them protection and to reduce the spread of disease.”

England has seen an additional 92 cases reported, with one in Northern Ireland, two in Scotland and five in Wales.

Regional breakdown of monkeypox cases in England

London: 1954 (+48)

South East: 237 (+4)

North West: 150 (+6)

East of England: 103 (+1)

West Midlands: 85 (+9)

South West: 65 (+11)

Yorkshire and Humber: 55 (+6)

East Midlands: 39 (+6)

North East: 29 (0)

A vaccine to the virus is being offered to people most at risk (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

As things stand the outbreak in England is classified as ‘Level 2’ which is defined as being within a set ‘sub-population’, as in men who are gay, bisexual or men who have sex with other men.

The primary method of transmission of monkeypox continues to be through close or sexual contact.

Whilst the virus has been detected in air and environmental samples in the hospital room of infected patients, there are no confirmed instances of airborne transmission.

A vaccine for monkeypox is currently being offered to those most at risk.