The total number of monkeypox cases in England has now reached 56, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. Case numbers have more than doubled, increasing by 36 from the previous number of 20 cases recorded on Sunday.
While the disease is most commonly found in parts of central and west Africa, cases are now being recorded in the UK, US, Canada, Spain and Italy. The UKHSA has noted that a "notable proportion" of infections are predominantly being found in individuals who identify as gay or bisexual with doctors confirming community transmission.
Ministers have insisted that the monkeypox outbreak will not be a 'repeat' of Covid and noted that a vaccine is already available. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke told Sky News: "As with any new disease, and obviously after the Covid pandemic doubly so, we continue to monitor this very closely. I would say I am cautious but I am certainly not concerned about our ability to handle the situation. There is a vaccine which is available and works for monkeypox, and all the evidence is that it is spread by physical contact."
