UK monkeypox case numbers show overall decline

As of 15 August, there are 3,195 confirmed and highly probable cases of monkeypox in the UK. Whilst the decline is fastest in London, new cases continue to be identified in all regions at present.

Out of 3,025 confirmed cases in England, 2,989 were men (99%) and 36 were women. The median age of cases in the UK is 36. Based on the available data, the virus continues to be transmitted primarily in interconnected sexual networks of gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and there is no robust evidence of sustained transmission outside these networks. Some new cases which may be linked to travel continue to be identified.

As of 17 August 2022, a total of 33,199 administered doses of vaccine have been recorded, of which 29,803 have been administered as pre-exposure vaccination, primarily to GBMSM. A further 1,767 doses have been given to healthcare workers managing monkeypox cases and 1,629 doses have been given to close contacts of cases.