Update on monkeypox in Scotland

Figures published today show there have been 85 laboratory-confirmed cases of monkeypox reported in Scotland since 23 May 2022. There has been no increase since our last report on 30 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 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 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. 

In addition, PHS is working with colleagues across the UK to ensure additional vaccinations are available.

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).