Numbers of monkeypox cases in the UK plateauing, figures suggest

The median age of those infected with monkeypox is 37, while 73% of cases in England occur among London residents.

A small number of cases have been recorded in women, but 99% of those infected were men.

If you are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine, we will contact you to obtain it.

Watch as sexual health consultant Dr. Rachael Jones explains who will be offered the vaccine, how people will be contacted and why getting it is important ⬇️pic.twitter.com/kxEfxc2zcs

— NHS (@NHSuk) August 5, 2022

The NHS announced late last month that it was stepping up its monkeypox vaccination program in London as more stocks of a vaccine became available.

Vaccination experts have recommended that gay and bisexual men at higher risk of monkeypox be offered the smallpox vaccine Imvanex.

dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at the UKHSA, said the public needed to “remain vigilant” despite the early signs of a plateau.

“While the latest data suggests the outbreak’s growth has slowed, we cannot be complacent,” she said.

“Be vigilant and check yourself for monkeypox symptoms, including rashes and blisters.

“If you’re concerned you may have monkeypox symptoms, take a break from events, meeting friends, or engaging in sexual contact. Instead, stay home and call 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.

“The smallpox vaccine is being offered to people who are at higher risk of exposure to monkeypox to give them protection and reduce the spread of the disease.”