The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show the number of monkeypox cases in the UK has increased to 1,076.
Dr Sophia Makki, incident director at UKHSA said: “The UK monkeypox epidemic continues to grow, with more than a thousand cases now confirmed across the country.
“We expect cases to continue to climb even higher in the coming days and weeks.
“If you’re attending big summer events or having sex with a new partner, be on the lookout for any monkeypox symptoms so you can get tested quickly and help avoid infection. .”
The UKHSA director said the majority of cases are now in gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men. However, she warns anyone who has been in close contact with a person with symptoms is also at increased risk.
“If you’re worried you might get monkeypox, don’t go to events, meet friends or have sex,” she says.
“Instead, stay home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.
“We’re grateful to everyone who went ahead to test and assist us with our contact tracing.”
More than 40 countries where monkeypox is not endemic have reported outbreaks of the disease caused by the virus, with confirmed cases in excess of 4,300.
Monkeypox, spread by close contact and first found in monkeys, occurs mainly in west and central Africa and rarely spreads elsewhere.
