2022–2023 monkeypox outbreak

An ongoing outbreak of monkeypox was confirmed on 6 May 2022 in the United Kingdom, beginning in a British resident who had travelled to Nigeria, where the disease is endemic, and while there, had symptoms of monkeypox on 29 April 2022. This person returned to the United Kingdom on 4 May, becoming the index case of the outbreak into the country.
Background.
Cases have been reported in many countries in Europe, with some in North and South America, Israel and Australia. Before the global outbreak, monkeypox was endemic in West and Central Africa.
Response.
On 20 May 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency meeting to discuss the outbreak. On 23 July 2022, WHO announced that the outbreak is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Vaccinations.
The smallpox vaccine Imvanex (Jynneos) is 85% effective against monkeypox. The UKHSA has begun using Imvanex as post-exposure treatment for close contacts of known cases. There is no evidence that this vaccination will not be effective during this outbreak.