Mpox

What is Mpox?

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of west, central and east Africa. It is related to the viruses that cause smallpox (variola virus) and cowpox. The risk of catching it in the UK is low.

 

Mpox in the UK

There have been a small number of cases of mpox in the UK since 2022. These have all been a type of mpox that may be milder (called Clade 2 mpox).

There have not been any cases of the type of mpox that may be more serious (called Clade 1 mpox) in the UK.

So far this type of mpox has mainly been found in countries across west, central and east Africa.

 

Transmission

Mpox can be passed on from person to person through:

  • any close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or holding hands)
  • touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with mpox
  • the coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox when they’re close to you.

In parts of west, central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) if:

  • you’re bitten
  • you touch their fur, skin, blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs
  • you eat their meat and it has not been cooked thoroughly.

What is being done about it?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the organisation in England responsible for public health and infectious diseases, has been monitoring the number of cases and the spread of mpox since it was first detected in the UK.

Anyone can get mpox and, although more people have been diagnosed with it recently, the risk remains low.

In England, most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, so it’s particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you’re in these groups.

Symptoms to look out for

Common signs of mpox infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes and development of a new rash or spot anywhere on the body.

You’re extremely unlikely to have mpox if you have not been in close contact with someone who has mpox or mpox symptoms, if you have not recently travelled to west, central or east Africa, nor had multiple sexual partners in a short space of time, here or abroad.

What is happening now?

On 16 September 2024 the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in conjunction with the Department of Health, announced they were sourcing doses of the mpox vaccination in preparedness for any cases of Clade 1 mpox that may enter the UK. Please note, there are still NO reported cases in the UK.

Please do not contact us about this vaccination at present. Our website will be updated as we receive further information about the availability and rollout of this vaccination to those patients that are eligible.  

If you regularly travel abroad to have sex and feel you are eligible for the vaccine, you will be able to book a London or Greater Manchester–based appointment using the vaccine finder.

What to do if you’ve come into contact

with someone with mpox

Anyone who may have come into contact with someone who has mpox, is feeling unwell, or has symptoms that could be consistent with mpox infection, should limit their contact with others and telephone Hope House Sexual Health Clinic on 0300 421 6500.

Please do not attend the clinic unless requested to do so.