UKHSA publishes fourth technical briefing as cases rise to 2,208

UKHSA publishes fourth technical briefing as cases rise to 2,208

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.

Latest UK case numbers are available on GOV.UK.

Nicole Stinson

nicole.stinson@ukhsa.gov.uk