Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), other public health colleagues across the UK and NHS Boards in Scotland, to monitor the outbreak of meningitis in Kent.
There are currently no cases known to be linked to this outbreak in Scotland and therefore no evidence of any increased risk here.
Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection Infection Services at PHS is encouraging everyone to be aware of signs and symptoms of meningitis: “Meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia can be very serious and life threatening if not treated quickly.
“Signs and symptoms include a sudden high temperature, severe and worsening headache, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, confusion, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, a dislike of bright lights, and seizures (fits). These symptoms can appear in any order, but some may not appear.
“If you or anyone you know develops symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.”
Vaccination against meningitis
The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) continues to review evidence on the most effective use of meningococcal vaccines within the UK routine schedule.
There are currently no plans to offer MenB vaccination outside the existing routine childhood schedule, other than for those identified by the Incident Response Team in Kent.
Two different types of meningococcal vaccines are available in Scotland and are part of routine immunisation programmes for children and young people.
The Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine was introduced in 2015 and is offered to infants and young children under 2 years old.
The Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine is offered to all young people in S3 as part of the school-based immunisation programme. This vaccine protects against disease caused by meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y.
Anyone who has missed the MenACWY vaccine offer can still receive this up to their 25th birthday. Visit www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents to find out how to catch up.
Parents are encouraged to check if their children are up to date on their vaccinations. For information on how to check your own or your child’s vaccination history, please visit: www.nhsinform.scot/gettingvaccinations
More information on signs and symptoms of meningitis is available at
At its 14th meeting, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) emphasized that measles and rubella elimination and verification remain priorities for the WHO European Region and globally.
Based on reports submitted for 2024 and previous years, the RVC concluded that:
32 (60%) Member States provided evidence to demonstrate the elimination of endemic measles (interruption for at least 36 months) and 49 (92%) to demonstrate the elimination of endemic rubella, and 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence of the elimination of both measles and rubella;
one Member State interrupted measles transmission for 12 months;
13 (25%) Member States were considered endemic for measles;
6 (11%) Member States were considered to have re-established measles transmission; and
the rubella elimination status of 3 (6%) Member States is subject to the provision of additional data.
The RVC noted with concern the loss of measles elimination status in some Member States, including some with high-performing immunization programmes. The situation in 2024 highlighted the urgent need for increased political and financial commitment from countries and international organizations.
Considering the vast majority of reported cases were among unimmunized individuals, the RVC reiterated that to achieve measles and rubella elimination, as recommended by WHO, sustained coverage of at least 95% with 2 doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccines is needed.
The RVC encouraged all Member States to increase activities to achieve sufficient immunization coverage and close all remaining immunity gaps, focusing especially on vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. The RVC also encouraged all Member States to enhance surveillance systems to improve case detection and capture more epidemiological and laboratory data to allow adequate analysis and the identification of transmission chains and outbreak sources.
The RVC is also concerned with the absence of the timely detection of and adequate immunization response to measles outbreaks, which are critical to stop measles virus transmission once the virus has been imported into a population with susceptible individuals.
The further building of response capacities, and understanding of the consequences if adequate response measures, including immunization, are not taken on time, must be priorities for health systems and decision-makers in all Member States.
The 14th RVC meeting report, including the full text of conclusions and recommendations, is pending publication.
Table: RVC conclusions on measles and rubella elimination status per Member State for 2024
Member State
Measles
Rubella
Albania
Eliminated
Eliminated
Andorra
Eliminated
Eliminated
Armenia
Re-established
Eliminated
Austria
Re-established
Eliminated
Azerbaijan
Re-established
Eliminated
Belarus
Eliminated
Eliminated
Belgium
Eliminated
Eliminated
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Endemic
Subject to provision of additional data
Bulgaria
Eliminated
Eliminated
Croatia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Cyprus
Eliminated
Eliminated
Czechia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Denmark
Eliminated
Eliminated
Estonia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Finland
Eliminated
Eliminated
France
Endemic
Eliminated
Georgia
Endemic
Eliminated
Germany
Endemic
Eliminated
Greece
Eliminated
Eliminated
Hungary
Eliminated
Eliminated
Iceland
Eliminated
Eliminated
Ireland
Eliminated
Eliminated
Israel
No report
No report
Italy
Endemic
Eliminated
Kazakhstan
Endemic
Eliminated
Kyrgyzstan
Endemic
Eliminated
Latvia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Lithuania
Eliminated
Eliminated
Luxembourg
Eliminated
Eliminated
Malta
Eliminated
Eliminated
Monaco
Eliminated
Eliminated
Montenegro
Eliminated
Eliminated
Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
Eliminated
Eliminated
North Macedonia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Norway
Eliminated
Eliminated
Poland
Endemic
Subject to provision of additional data
Portugal
Eliminated
Eliminated
Republic of Moldova
Eliminated
Eliminated
Romania
Endemic
Eliminated
Russian Federation
Endemic
Eliminated
San Marino
Eliminated
Eliminated
Serbia
Endemic
Eliminated
Slovakia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Slovenia
Eliminated
Eliminated
Spain
Re-established
Eliminated
Sweden
Eliminated
Eliminated
Switzerland
Eliminated
Eliminated
Tajikistan
Interrupted 12 months
Eliminated
Türkiye
Endemic
Eliminated
Turkmenistan
Eliminated
Eliminated
Ukraine
Endemic
Subject to provision of additional data
United Kingdom
Re-established
Eliminated
Uzbekistan
Re-established
Eliminated
UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status:
Weekly UKHSA report for the 2025/26 season, monitoring respiratory viruses as people are encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves
Flu levels are beginning to stabilise for the first time this season, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). After an early start to the season and a sharp spike in recent weeks, the flu positivity rate is starting to decrease.
These are encouraging signals but it’s too early to say if flu has peaked this season and UKHSA is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures, with limited time now left to get a flu vaccine ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
Flu is an unpredictable virus and while there is currently evidence that it is plateauing, the flu season is not yet over with the virus previously peaking well into January and February. Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk, so getting vaccinated now will help to protect against flu viruses that may circulate later in the winter months.
There are simple measures that can be taken to help reduce the spread of flu this winter. Washing your hands regularly, making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated and if you have symptoms, stay home where possible. If you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.
Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are at most risk of serious complications from flu. This includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, young infants and those with certain long-term health conditions.
For children who missed out on their school immunisation programme, parents are reminded that they can still get them vaccinated in local community clinics. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated through maternity services.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA: “With Christmas just around the corner, it’s reassuring to see that flu levels are now starting to stabilise, but flu is notoriously unpredictable and can bounce back and peak a second time in the new year and so we’re urging people to continue taking sensible steps over the festive period to help stop the spread.
“There are simple steps we can all take to protect one another when mixing indoors. If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.
“Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated helps and we advise those who have symptoms and need to go out, to consider wearing a face covering.
“For anyone eligible who is still not vaccinated, it’s not too late to get protected for the rest of the winter, but time is running out.
“Please make an appointment as soon as you can as vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation. By continuing to take these precautions, we can all do our bit to reduce the chances of another spike.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/2001684097412837648
In the week between 8 and 14 December 2025:
influenza activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
Flu surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)
In week 49:
flu activity is stabilising in most indicators but still circulating at medium levels
flu positivity remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 20.7% compared with 21% in the previous week. Positivity started to decrease in the later days of the week
overall, flu hospitalisations were stabilising at 10.32 per 100,000 compared with 10.19 per 100,000 in the previous week
For the 2025-26 season’s vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October.
Up to the end of week 50 (14 December), vaccine uptake stands at:
38.6% in those aged under 65 years with one or more long term health conditions
36.5% in all pregnant women
72.8% in all those aged over 65 years
42.1% in children aged 2 years and 43.1% in children aged 3 years
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)
In week 49:
RSV activity showed mixed trends and is circulating at medium levels
the overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV was increasing at 3.70 per 100,000 compared with 3.35 per 100,000 in the previous week
emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 49 (8 to 14 December)
In week 49:
COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels
COVID-19 positivity decreased slightly to 1.9% from 2.1% in the previous week
COVID-19 hospitalisations were decreasing slightly at 1.02 per 100,000 compared with 1.10 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low at 0.05 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week
Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 49 to 50 (1 December to 14 December 2025)
In week 49:
norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks but remains within expected levels
total norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (4.9% lower) for the same 2-week period
overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 were 29.8% higher than during the previous 2-week period
the rate of norovirus reports has started to increase in individuals aged 65 years and over and is now comparable to the reporting rate among individuals aged 0 to 4 years
total rotavirus laboratory reports between weeks 49 and 50 of 2025 were comparable to the 5-season average (2.0% lower) for the same 2-week period
the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2025/2026 season is 48.5% lower than the 5-season average
during the 2025/2026 season to date, the majority (83.3%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequent genotype identified was GII.4 (31.1%)
in recent weeks GII.4 has emerged as the predominant genotype and detections of GII.17 have decreased
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: Norovirus has increased recently but remains within expected levels. With the festive season upon us, it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus.
“At the moment, the highest rate of cases are in children and people aged over 65. If your child has any symptoms, keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop. If you’re unwell, don’t visit hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to older and vulnerable people and don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on it alone.”
It’s going to be a hot couple of days, so whilst enjoying the weather, make sure you keep yourself well by:
Staying hydrated
Wearing sun cream and protective clothing
Sticking to the shade during peak heat hours
Check on elderly relatives/neighbours
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde issues sun and warm weather health advice
Members of the public are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun as the current warm weather is expected to continue into this weekend.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) advised people to ensure they are protected from the sun, and to take care when barbecuing to prevent food poisoning.
It also highlighted the importance of getting the right care in the right place if help is needed for a health concern.
Common health conditions during nicer weather can include sunburn, food poisoning, bites and stings.
NHSGGC also highlighted the importance of keeping items like over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit and an ice pack at home to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains and strains.
NHSGGC is asking people to consider the following:
Sunburn and sunstroke – Always cover up in the sun to protect yourself and your family from burns and heat exhaustion. This includes wearing a high-factor sunscreen and appropriate clothing and spending time in the shade.
Food poisoning – Barbecuing can lead to food poisoning if it is not done correctly. Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly, and keep cooked and raw food separate.
Medicines – Make sure you have over-the-counter medicines at home for common illnesses including paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for bites and stings and antihistamines for allergies.
First aid – Keep a first aid kit in your home with plasters, bandages and antiseptic wipes for cuts, and an ice pack for minor strains or sprains.
For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, there is a range of services available to help, and NHSGGC continues to ask people to ‘think ABC’ before attending A&E:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, visit the NHS Inform website or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. This could include directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit or arranging an appointment for you with NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E Flow Navigation Centre.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
If you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Dr Emilia Crighton, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health, said:“This is a great time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather and longer days with friends and family.
“Please enjoy the good weather safely by covering up when in the sun, staying hydrated and making sure food is properly cooked if barbecued”.
“For those who do require support over this period, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments.
“By using NHS 24’s digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.
“We ask everyone to think ABC before A&E. This will ensure you get the right care in the right place, will help reduce waiting times, and free up capacity for those who need it most.”
UKHSA is reminding travellers to be careful around animals when travelling to rabies affected countries
A woman from the UK has sadly died after becoming infected with rabies, following contact with a stray dog during a visit to Morocco. The individual was diagnosed in Yorkshire and the Humber.
There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case as there is no documented evidence of rabies passing between people. However, as a precautionary measure, health workers and close contacts are being assessed and offered vaccination when necessary.
Rabies is passed on through injuries such as bites and scratches from an infected animal. It is nearly always fatal, but post-exposure treatment is very effective at preventing disease if given promptly after exposure to the virus.
Dr Katherine Russell, Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, at UKHSA, said: “I would like to extend my condolences to this individual’s family at this time.
“If you are bitten, scratched or licked by an animal in a country where rabies is found then you should wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water and seek medical advice without delay in order to get post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies.
“There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case. Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK, and worldwide there are no documented instances of direct human-to-human transmission.”
Rabies does not circulate in either wild or domestic animals in the UK, although some species of bats can carry a rabies-like virus. No human cases of rabies acquired in the UK from animals other than bats have been reported since 1902.
Between 2000 and 2024 there were 6 cases of human rabies associated with animal exposures abroad reported in the UK.
Rabies is common in other parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa. All travellers to rabies affected countries should avoid contact with dogs, cats and other animals wherever possible, and seek advice about the need for rabies vaccine prior to travel.
You should take immediate action to wash the wound or site of exposure with plenty of soap and water, if:
you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal while you’re abroad in a country with rabies
an animal has licked your eyes, nose or mouth, or licked a wound you have, while you’re abroad in a country with rabies
you’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK
Local medical advice should be sought without delay, even in those who have been previously vaccinated.
When given promptly after an exposure, a course of rabies post-exposure treatment is extremely effective at preventing the disease.
If such an exposure occurs abroad, the traveller should also consult their doctor on return, so that the course of rabies treatment can be completed. If travellers have not sought medical advice abroad, they should contact their doctor promptly upon return for assessment.
Rabies – Information for travel leaflet. Public Health England. Product code: 400322RT. Gateway Number: 2024664.Rabies – Information for travel leaflet. Public Health England. Product code: 400322RT. Gateway Number: 2024664.
For more information on the risk of rabies in different countries, see the country information pages on the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s (NaTHNaC’s) website, TravelHealthPro.
‘We have detected a single confirmed human case of Clade Ib mpox. This is the first detection of this Clade of mpox in the UK, the wider risk to the UK population remains low’.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a single confirmed human case of Clade Ib mpox. The risk to the UK population remains low.
This is the first detection of this Clade of mpox in the UK. It is different from mpox Clade II that has been circulating at low levels in the UK since 2022, primarily among gay, bisexual and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (GBMSM).
UKHSA, the NHS and partner organisations have well tested capabilities to detect, contain and treat novel infectious diseases, and while this is the first confirmed case of mpox Clade Ib in the UK, there has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any confirmed cases.
The case was detected in London and the individual has been transferred to the Royal Free Hospital High Consequence Infectious Diseases unit. They had recently travelled to countries in Africa that are seeing community cases of Clade Ib mpox. The UKHSA and NHS will not be disclosing any further details about the individual.
Close contacts of the case are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. Any contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.
UKHSA is working closely with the NHS and academic partners to determine the characteristics of the pathogen and further assess the risk to human health.
While the existing evidence suggests mpox Clade Ib causes more severe disease than Clade II, we will continue to monitor and learn more about the severity, transmission and control measures. We will initially manage Clade Ib as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) whilst we are learning more about the virus.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “It is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this Clade of mpox in the UK, though other cases have been confirmed abroad.
“The risk to the UK population remains low, and we are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce the risk of any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said: “I am extremely grateful to the healthcare professionals who are carrying out incredible work to support and care for the patient affected.
“The overall risk to the UK population currently remains low and the government is working alongside UKHSA and the NHS to protect the public and prevent transmission.
“This includes securing vaccines and equipping healthcare professionals with the guidance and tools they need to respond to cases safely.
“We are also working with our international partners to support affected countries to prevent further outbreaks.”
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccination and screening, said: “The NHS is fully prepared to respond to the first confirmed case of this clade of mpox.
“Since mpox first became present in England, local services have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate those eligible, with tens of thousands in priority groups having already come forward to get protected, and while the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, if required the NHS has plans in place to expand the roll out of vaccines quickly in line with supply.”
Clade Ib mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent months and there have been cases reported in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, India and Germany.
Clade Ib mpox was detected by UKHSA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
The infection can be passed on through close person-to-person contact with someone who has the infection or with infected animals and through contact with contaminated materials. Anyone with symptoms should continue to avoid contact with other people while symptoms persist.
The UK has an existing stock of mpox vaccines and last month announced further vaccines are being procured to support a routine immunisation programme to provide additional resilience in the UK. This is in line with more recent independent JCVI advice.
Working alongside international partners, UKHSA has been monitoring Clade Ib mpox closely since the outbreak in DRC first emerged, publishing regular risk assessment updates.
The wider risk to the UK population remains low.
UKHSA has published its first technical briefing on clade I mpox which provides further information on the current situation and UK preparedness and response.
Ensuring Scotland is prepared as mpox cases increase in Central and Eastern Africa
With the World Health Organization declaring a recent rise in mpox cases in Central and Eastern Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Dr Kirsty Roy and Dr Kate Smith, Consultants in Public Health at PHS, explain more about the current international situation and what is being done to prepare for any cases seen in Scotland:
The recent rise of mpox cases in Central and Eastern Africa is of global concern due to the potential for the virus to spread beyond the affected countries. It’s therefore important that we’re prepared in the event a case is identified in Scotland.
Mpox is an uncommon viral infection compared to viruses like influenza or COVID-19.
It typically causes a blistering rash which can last 2 to 4 weeks and can be accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle and back aches, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes.
There are two main types of mpox – clade 1 and clade 2 that are then further divided into clade 1a, clade 1b and clade 2b. Each type can differ in who they affect, how they spread, and the severity of the outcomes.
Clade 1 mpox is more serious than clade 2, as it can be passed on more easily, can make people more severely ill, and has a higher fatality rate. This is why clade 1 is classified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID). HCIDs are rare in the UK, and established protocols and guidance are in place to manage these.
What’s the current global situation?
Historically, clade 1 mpox has been associated with Central Africa and linked with more severe disease and higher death rates. Recently, a new type (clade 1b) has emerged and is circulating, particularly in sexual networks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries.
It was the emergence and rapid spread of clade 1b that prompted the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2024.
Although most cases are currently confined to Central and Eastern Africa, there is the potential for the virus to spread out with the continent to other countries, as we saw with the global outbreak of mpox clade 2 in 2022.
It’s therefore important to be aware of the above symptoms. Anyone with these should stay at home, avoid close contact with others and get medical help by phone. More information can be found on NHS inform.
How is mpox passed on?
Mpox is not passed on very easily between people. However, you can get it from close contact with an infected person, including during sex or by contact with contaminated materials (for example bedding or towels).
It’s possible that mpox may also be passed on through close and prolonged contact that can include talking, breathing, coughing or sneezing. There is currently limited evidence around this, and information will be updated when new evidence becomes available.
What’s the current situation in Scotland?
Currently, no cases of clade 1 mpox have been confirmed in Scotland. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it had detected the first case of mpox clade 1b in England on 30 October, however, the risk to the UK population is still considered low.
PHS is working closely with public health partners across the UK, as well as NHS boards, to monitor the situation and prepare for any cases of clade 1 mpox in Scotland.
As part of this, we have rapidly put testing in place to ensure suspected cases can be quickly tested in Scotland at the Edinburgh Specialist Virology Centre (SVC) and the West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre (WoSSVC) Glasgow.
What’s the travel advice?
Currently the risk to most travellers is small. A list of countries where cases of Clade 1 mpox have been identified can be found on the UK Government website
Anyone travelling to an affected country is encouraged to take precautions, such as minimising physical or sexual contact – especially with individuals showing signs of a rash – to reduce the risk of infection.
Working in partnership with Scottish airports, we have ensured that information about the clade 1b international situation is visible to travellers in Scottish Airports. These signpost to key information on affected countries and how to access healthcare services in Scotland if an individual develops mpox symptoms.
Is there a vaccine to protect against mpox?
Mpox belongs to a family of viruses that includes smallpox and a vaccine that was developed to protect against smallpox is also considered effective against mpox.
This vaccine was used as part of the response to the 2022 outbreak of clade 2 mpox, which mainly affected gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), and Scotland continues to offer mpox vaccination to those at greatest risk.
On behalf of Scotland, and other devolved nations, the UK Government has procured more mpox vaccine doses to strengthen the UK preparedness against clade 1 mpox. More information about vaccine eligibility can be found on NHS inform.
Scotland has a robust public health intelligence system, is now able to rapidly identify and test potential cases and has a supply of effective vaccines. There is also public health information available to ensure people are prepared if they are visiting an area of higher risk. These should all ensure Scotland is prepared should cases emerge within the country.
UKHSA and ONS have published the latest data from the Winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Study, known as the Winter CIS
Winter COVID-19 Infection Study shows a continued decline in COVID-19 in England and Scotland.
The latest data from the Winter COVID-19 Infection Study, an epidemiological study run in partnership by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows a clear decline in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in England and Scotland in the 2 weeks up to 10 January.
Analysis by UKHSA suggests that prevalence in the community is 2.3%, or around one in every 43 people. This represents a decrease in prevalence from 3.1% (one in every 32 people) in the previous report.
Positivity data from the ONS indicates that of the approximately 26,000 participants who reported LFD test results in the last reporting period, 1.9% tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 2.7% in the last report.
The most recent data shows a clear decline in prevalence in Scotland and most of the regions in England. This decline was also observed for the age groups between 18 to 74.
Professor Steven Riley, Director General for Data and Surveillance at UKHSA said: “This week’s data confirms the early signs of a decline in COVID-19 across the country that we saw in last week’s report.
“While this is welcome, it is important to recognise that this does not mean that the risk of becoming ill with COVID-19 has gone away.
“In previous years, we have sometimes seen a decline in early January followed by an increase over the next few weeks, so it remains important that we continue to do what we can to reduce transmission.
“Those people who are most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can still receive a seasonal vaccination until the end of this month, and we urge anyone eligible who has not already done so to come forward. You can get a vaccine through your GP, by booking with a local NHS vaccination service, or you can find a COVID-19 vaccination walk-in site.
“If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, you should try to limit your contact with other people as much as possible, especially those who are older or more vulnerable.”
A study to gather vital data on COVID-19 this winter has been launched by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The Winter COVID-19 Infection Study (WCIS) will run from November 2023 to March 2024, involving up to 200,000 participants.
UKHSA previously commissioned the Coronavirus Infection Survey (CIS), carried out by the ONS during the pandemic, in partnership with scientific study leads Oxford University.
Recognised globally as the gold standard for surveillance of the virus, CIS gathered and analysed more than 11.5 million swab tests and 3 million blood tests from April 2020 to March 2023.
The new WCIS is a different study and will involve up to 32,000 lateral flow tests being carried out each week, providing key insight into the levels of COVID-19 circulating across the wider community. This sample will be broadly representative of the population according to key characteristics.
While widespread vaccination has allowed us to live with COVID-19, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness, and this in turn can lead to increased pressures on the NHS over the winter months.
That is why UKHSA is urging eligible adults to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines online via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free, to give themselves the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
UKHSA’s existing surveillance systems already provide up-to-date information on hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates, but the introduction of this study will allow us to detect changes in the infection hospitalisation rate (IHR), which requires accurate measurement of infection levels in the community.
Calculating the IHR will enable UKHSA to assess the potential for increased demand on health services due to changes in the way the virus is spreading, which could be driven by the arrival of any new variants.
Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at UKHSA, said: “The data we collected alongside the ONS during the pandemic provided us with a huge amount of valuable insight, so I am delighted that we are able to work together again to keep policymakers and the wider public informed in the coming months.
“UKHSA continues to lead the way internationally on COVID-19 surveillance and by re-introducing a study of positivity in the community, we can better detect changes in the behaviour of the virus.”
The study will use lateral flow devices (LFDs) supplied by UKHSA.
The latest UKHSA technical briefing, published on 22 September, included initial findings of tests performed in the laboratory at Porton Down to examine the effectiveness of LFDs in detecting BA.2.86, and found no reduction in sensitivity compared to previous variants.
The model and scale of this study could also be converted into a programme that captures data on different respiratory viruses, should that be required in future.
Deputy National Statistician Emma Rourke at the ONS said: “ONS is committed to building on the experience of standing up the gold standard CIS. Our resources and statistical expertise are here for the public good, and we are delighted to be delivering this study in partnership with UKHSA.
“There remains a need for robust data to help us continue to understand the virus and its effects during the winter months.
“As well as working to provide UKHSA with regular rates of positivity, we will also be looking at analysis of symptoms, risk factors and the impact of respiratory infections, including long COVID, as part of this important surveillance.”
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever cases continue to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year.There were 851 cases reported in week 46, compared to an average of 186 for the preceding years.
Health officials have recorded more than 430 cases of Strep A in Scotland in two weeks.
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Scarlet fever is caused by bacteria called group A streptococci. These bacteria also cause other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo.
In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). While still uncommon, there has been an increase in invasive Group A strep cases this year, particularly in children under 10.
There were 2.3 cases per 100,000 children aged 1 to 4 compared to an average of 0.5 in the pre-pandemic seasons (2017 to 2019) and 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged 5 to 9 compared to the pre-pandemic average of 0.3 (2017 to 2019) at the same time of the year.
So far this season there have been 5 recorded deaths within 7 days of an iGAS diagnosis in children under 10 in England. During the last high season for Group A Strep infection (2017 to 2018) there were 4 deaths in children under 10 in the equivalent period.
Investigations are also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.
There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
your child is getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than usual.
“The bacteria usually causes a mild infection producing sore throats or scarlet fever that can be easily treated with antibiotics.
“In very rare circumstances, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness – called invasive Group A strep (iGAS). This is still uncommon; however, it is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible so that their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious.
“Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”
The UK has become the first country to approve a dual vaccine which tackles both the original Covid virus and the newer Omicron variant.The vaccine will now be part of the autumn booster campaign.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has published its advice on which vaccines should be used in this year’s autumn booster programme.
All of the available boosters provide good protection against severe illness from COVID-19 and the Committee has emphasised that getting a booster in good time before the winter season is more important for those eligible than the type of vaccine that is received.
The vaccines advised for use in the autumn booster programme are:
For adults aged 18 years and above:
Moderna mRNA (Spikevax) bivalent Omicron BA.1/Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
Moderna mRNA (Spikevax) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA (Comirnaty) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
in exceptional circumstances, the Novavax Matrix-M adjuvanted wild-type vaccine (Nuvaxovid) may be used when no alternative clinically suitable UK-approved COVID-19 vaccine is available
For people aged 12 to 17 years:
Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA (Comirnaty) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine
For people aged 5 to 11 years:
Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA (Comirnaty) Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine paediatric formulation
‘Bivalent’ vaccines have been developed by global manufacturers since the emergence and dominance of the Omicron variant. These vaccines contain two different antigens (substances that induce an immune response) based on two different COVID-19 strains, or variants. The original mRNA vaccines contain one antigen (monovalent), based on the original ‘wild-type’ strain.
Studies indicate the Moderna bivalent vaccine produces a marginally higher immune response against some variants than the Moderna mRNA Original ‘wild-type’ vaccine. The clinical relevance of these small differences is uncertain.
The committee will consider further bivalent vaccines for use in the programme as they are approved by the MHRA.
In its latest advice the JCVI has stated that, where feasible, it would be preferable for a single type of booster vaccine to be offered throughout the duration of the autumn programme for simplicity of deployment.
Professor Wei Shen Lim, Chair of COVID-19 immunisation on the JCVI, said: “All of the available booster vaccines offer very good protection against severe illness from COVID-19. As more vaccines continue to be developed and approved, the JCVI will consider the benefits of including them in the UK programme.
“It is important that everyone who is eligible takes up a booster this autumn, whichever vaccine is on offer. This will increase your protection against being severely ill from COVID-19 as we move into winter.”
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Although cases of COVID-19 are relatively low at present, we are expecting to see the virus circulating more widely during the winter months.
“The booster is being offered to those at higher risk of severe illness and by taking up the booster vaccine this autumn, you will increase your protection ahead of the winter months, when respiratory viruses are typically at their peak.”
