Monkeypox outbreak was waiting to happen, say scientists

Proportion of people protected has fallen substantially in decades since smallpox vaccination ended

The unprecedented surge in monkeypox cases in the UK and beyond was an outbreak waiting to happen after the end of global smallpox vaccination more than 40 years ago, scientists say.

The UK Health Security Agency announced a further 14 cases in England on Tuesday, bringing the total to 70, and one further patient in Scotland. No cases have been identified in Wales or Northern Ireland.