NewsDesk @bactiman63

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports 10 cases of mpox diagnosed in the UK since the last epidemiological update on 4 May. This brings the total number of new cases in the UK since the beginning of the year to 20.

Image/UKHSA

This has prompted officials to urge people to remain vigilant to mpox ahead of the summer months.

All the cases were diagnosed within London, with half of them in unvaccinated individuals and 2 in those who had only received one dose. Five of the cases acquired the infection in the UK, 4 are thought to have acquired the infection abroad and one remains under investigation.

England

Katy Sinka, Head of Sexually Transmitted Infections at UKHSA, said:

It is clear from these latest statistics that mpox has not gone away. While mpox infection is mild for many, it can cause severe symptoms for some so it’s important people remain alert to the risks. Vaccination is key to reducing the severity of symptoms and preventing further transmission. Uptake of first doses has been strong but only around a third of those who have received their first dose have had their second dose so far.

The programme is coming to an end, so we strongly encourage everyone eligible to please come forward for a vaccination if you haven’t yet had one or 2 doses. Our aim is to eliminate this unpleasant disease from the UK entirely – vaccination and community action have worked very well to significantly reduce case numbers and we can’t let our guard down now.

Everyone at highest risk from mpox is eligible for 2 doses of the vaccine. UKHSA data has shown that one dose of the vaccine offers 78% protection against the virus from 14 days after receiving it; the second dose aims to provide longer term protection.