Latest update on monkeypox in Scotland

Since our last report on 20 September 2022, laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox in Scotland are unchanged at 94. Currently most cases in Scotland are in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men, however, anyone can get monkeypox.

Identification of cases and vaccination are the main control measures. The wider pre-exposure vaccination programme is underway in Scotland and NHS Boards across the country are working at pace 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. PHS continues to work with colleagues across the UK to ensure vaccine doses continue to be available.

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

“Analysis shows the number of new monkeypox cases in the UK is declining. This is especially noticeable in London, where the largest number of identified cases and known transmission has occurred.  

“Encouragingly, although new cases continue to be identified in Scotland, the number of new cases is reducing.

“We continue to monitor the situation in Scotland. 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. 

Moving forward, the monkeypox news section of the website is likely to be updated on a fortnightly basis.

Any additional cases of monkeypox will continue to be updated on the PHS monkeypox webpage. 

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