Family cluster of three cases of monkeypox imported from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, May 2021

Most reported cases of human monkeypox occur in Central and West Africa, where the causing virus is endemic. We describe the identification and public health response to an imported case of West African monkeypox from Nigeria to the United Kingdom (UK) in May 2021. Secondary transmission from the index case occurred within the family to another adult and a toddler. Concurrent COVID-19-related control meas-ures upon arrival and at the hospital, facilitated detec-tion and limited the number of potential contacts.

Automated summary

Most reported cases of human monkeypox occur in Central and West Africa, but this study focuses on an imported case from Nigeria to the UK in May 2021. Secondary transmission within a family occurred, but detection and contact tracing were aided by concurrent COVID-19 control measures.