Vaccinations against mpox to be extended in London after cases spike
- A cluster of new cases in the capital have been diagnosed in the past few weeks, with the majority affecting unvaccinated people
- Symptoms of Mpox, previously called monkeypox, include rashes, fever, headaches, muscle ache, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes
Vaccinations against mpox will be extended in London after a recent spike in cases, the British Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced.
A cluster of 11 new cases in the capital have been diagnosed in the past few weeks, with the majority affecting unvaccinated people and three who had received only one dose of the vaccine, according to UKHSA.
The national vaccination programme will close as planned towards the end of July.
Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a rare infection most commonly found in west or central Africa.
Although symptoms may be mild, the infection can cause unusual rashes and blisters, fevers, headaches, muscle ache, exhaustion and swollen lymph nodes.
The UKHSA said the highest risk of mpox remains primarily in interconnected sexual networks of gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men.
