As the UK's monkeypox vaccine supplies diminish, a health expert has shared guidance for people unvaccinated from the viral disease. The latest figures confirm 71 Scottish cases - an increase of four from the last week, reports Public Health Scotland (PHS).
Doctors have warned jabs will run out within 'days', leaving a month-long gap before the next shipment in September, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. Without more doses, the disease could become endemic, warned Dr Claire Dewsnap, president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).
The UK has the greatest number of monkeypox cases globally. The vaccination programme in Scotland is offering jabs to gay and bisexual men at higher risk of exposure, along with healthcare workers in high-risk settings.
Although anyone can get monkeypox, officials say most Scots cases are in men who are gay, bisexual, or have sex with men, and are primarily associated with recent travel to London or Europe.
So far, 3,000 pre-exposure vaccine doses have been allotted to Scotland and prioritised to those at highest risk.
"NHS Boards are currently identifying eligible individuals for vaccination through sexual health services, who are contacting people proactively, as well as inviting those who meet the criteria when they present at their usual appointments," said Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science and Medical Director at PHS.
"We will continue to offer vaccine to those at highest risk until our current allocation has been used. A further batch is scheduled to arrive in the UK in September and, as more supplies become available, more people will be offered a first dose."
For the vast majority of unvaccinated people, Dr Phin issued some advice amid the shortage.
He said: "If you are currently unvaccinated, please ensure you are aware of the signs and symptoms, take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to monkeypox and seek medical advice if you think you may have the infection."
Monkeypox signs and symptoms
It usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. You can pass on the disease while you have symptoms.
The NHS notes that the monkeypox rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.
The first symptoms of monkeypox include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- joint pain
A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms, which often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body - including the mouth, genitals and anus. Sufferers may also have anal pain or bleeding from your bottom.
Symptoms usually clear up in a few weeks.
NHS guidance states you're extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if:
- You have not been in close contact (such as touching their skin or sharing towels, clothes or bedding) with someone who has monkeypox or has monkeypox symptoms
- You have not recently travelled to west or central Africa
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
