Update on monkeypox - Scotland

Figures published today show there have been 79 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox reported in Scotland since 23 May 2022. This includes an additional case since our last report on 25 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 is underway in Scotland and NHS Boards across the country are working to offer vaccines to gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure and a small number of healthcare workers who work in high-risk settings as quickly as possible.

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said:  

“As we know, there is a limited global supply of the smallpox vaccine which offers protection against monkeypox and remaining available doses are being administered at pace in Scotland as this gives the greatest opportunity to contain spread while numbers are still relatively small. PHS continues to work with colleagues across the UK to ensure additional vaccinations are available and is closely following the work of the pilot sites in England looking at the use of intradermal administration of the vaccine.

“If you are currently unvaccinated, please ensure you are aware of the signs and symptoms, take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to monkeypox and seek medical advice if you think you may have the infection”. 

PHS 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).