Latest update on monkeypox covering Scotland

Figures published today show there have been 77 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox reported in Scotland since 23 May 2022. This includes an additional two cases since our last report on 16 August 2022.  

Anyone can get monkeypox, however, currently most cases in Scotland are in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, and are primarily associated with recent travel to London or Europe.  

The individuals are receiving care and treatment appropriate to their condition in line with nationally agreed protocols and guidance. Close contacts of the cases are being identified and provided with health information, advice and, where appropriate, vaccination.  

The wider pre-exposure vaccination programme has started in Scotland and vaccine is being offered to gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure and a small number of healthcare workers who work in high-risk settings.  

Vaccines have been allocated to NHS Boards across the country who are working to offer vaccines to eligible individuals as quickly as possible.

Public Health Scotland continues to work with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Wales and Northern Ireland HSC Health Protection Agency to monitor and respond to potential and confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK.  

Any additional cases of monkeypox will be updated on our monkeypox webpage.  

Please visit NHS Inform for further information on the symptoms of and treatment (external website) for monkeypox and the vaccination programme (external website).