Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to (a) inform armed forces personnel about monkeypox, (b) reduce transmission of the disease in the armed forces and (c) increase diagnoses by armed forces medical personnel.

To inform Armed Forces personnel, a monkeypox page has been created on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) intranet. This provides a range of regularly updated guidance and links to resources, including the latest public health messages, vaccination information and details of who to speak to for further advice or in the event of developing symptoms.

A more targeted approach to communications is also being adopted, with the use of Twitter and directing messages to high risk groups.

In the small number of monkeypox cases in the UK Armed Forces, there is currently no evidence of transmission between Service personnel. Public health advice to personnel reflects national guidance and stresses that the risk of catching monkeypox remains low. Those personnel in at risk groups are advised to be aware of the symptoms and to contact a sexual health clinic or call 111 if symptoms are developed.

A clinical guidance note on monkeypox has been developed by military public health and infectious disease specialists. The note has been shared with Defence Primary Health Care (DPHC) teams to increase their awareness and diagnosis of monkeypox and advise how to respond to a possible or confirmed case.

DPHC clinical teams in the UK and overseas also have 24/7 access to public health and infectious disease advice and support from Defence Medical Services consultants, to discuss the diagnosis and management of suspected monkeypox cases.

Military and UK Health Security Agency public health teams have worked in close collaboration to follow-up Armed Forces monkeypox cases and their contacts. This has minimised the risk of further transmission.