Monkeypox Outbreak Recedes in the U.K.

The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed today the epidemiological situation of the monkeypox virus outbreak.

Cases of monkeypox (MPX) infection have been confirmed in England since May 6, 2022. 

As of November 21, 2022, there were 3,570 confirmed and 150 highly probable monkeypox cases detected in the U.K.

Of these, 96 were in Scotland, 34 were in Northern Ireland, 47 were in Wales, and 3,543 (69%) were in England.

There are no reported deaths in the U.K.

The current MPX outbreak falls within Clade IIb, where most sequenced cases are lineage B.1 or descendants. And a small number of genomes from other clade IIb lineages were also detected in 2022.

Between 2018 and 2021, there were 7 cases of monkeypox in the U.K.

Of these, four were imported, 2 were cases in household contacts, and one was a case in a healthcare worker involved in the care of an imported case.

In the U.K., the two-dose IMVANEX® (JYNNEOS®, MVA-BN) vaccine was offered.

NHS National Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell commented in a press release on November 22, 2022, "Thanks to hard-working staff, more than 55,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine have been delivered."

"We now know how effective the vaccine is, offering 78% protection against the virus from just one dose."

"While the risk of monkeypox remains low, we urge anyone eligible to come forward to get their vaccination."

Additional MPX outbreak news is posted at Vax-Before-Travel.com/Monkeypox.

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