Monkeypox cases in the UK have more than doubled, with 11 more announced today. It brings the total number reported in the country to 20 – although there are concerns many cases are going undetected.
Confirming the news, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This morning I updated G7 health ministers on what we know so far.
“Most cases are mild, and I can confirm we have procured further doses of vaccines that are effective against monkeypox.”
Exactly what is driving the UK’s largest outbreak is a mystery – normally the disease is sporadic and linked to travel in parts of Africa, where it is endemic.
But it is “likely” the latest cases have spread within the UK, as concerns have been raised about summer festivals.
In a statement released on Friday, WHO regional director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, said at least eight countries in Europe, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK, have reported recent cases of monkeypox.