Monkeypox cases UK: how many confirmed cases are there and where has an outbreak been found - map of cases

More than 2,400 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in the UK, the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show.

Between 6 May and 25 July there were 2,432 confirmed cases across the UK, an increase of 159 since the last reporting date on 21 July, figures released on Tuesday (26July) show, 65 highly probable cases have also been identified.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the current outbreak a global health emergency on Saturday (23 July), after over 16,000 cases were reported in more than 70 countries.

England has recorded a total of 2,325 monkeypox cases with 73% (out of 2,313 where the home address was known) being identified in London. The capital has 1,699 confirmed cases in total, followed by the South East with 199 and the North West with 120.

Twelve cases remain under investigation and are not yet publicly linked to a region.

Outside of England, Scotland has recorded 59 cases in total, followed by 30 in Wales and 18 in Northern Ireland.

The UKHSA said the outbreak has been largely identified in gay or bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men without documented history of travel to endemic countries.

Where gender information was available 99.3% of cases were male and 18 were female. The median age of confirmed cases in the UK was 37 years.

Health experts recently issued a warning to anyone who has new or multiple sexual partners to be vigilant about monkeypox symptoms as cases rise.

Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at the UKHSA, said: “Currently the majority of cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men. However, anyone who has had close contact with an individual with symptoms is also at increased risk.

“If you are concerned that you may have monkeypox, don’t go to events, meet with friends or have sexual contact. Instead, stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice. Please contact the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been reviewed by a clinician.

“To assist with our contact tracing, we encourage everyone to ensure they exchange contact details with sexual partners, to help us limit further transmission where cases occur.”