What is Mpox?
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is low for most people.
There have been a small number of cases of mpox in the UK since 2022. These have mainly been a type of mpox that may be milder (called Clade 2 mpox). The other type of mpox is called Clade 1 mpox which is more serious but very rare in the UK and has mainly been found countries across central and east Africa.
It is important to know the risk of catching mpox in the UK is low for most people however we still need to raise awareness.
How can you get Mpox?
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 are close to you.
In parts of central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) if:
- you are 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 are the symptoms of Mpox?
If you get infected with mpox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.
The first symptoms of mpox include one or more of the following:
- a high temperature (fever)
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- joint pain
- a rash
The rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It can be on any part of the body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, genitals and anus.
You may also have anal pain or bleeding from your bottom.
The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into sores (ulcers) or small blisters filled with fluid. The blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off. The symptoms usually clear up in a few weeks. While you have symptoms, you can pass mpox on to other people.
Please call 111 (do not attend clinic) if any of the following apply:
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You have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and you have been to Central or East Africa in the past three weeks
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You have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and you have been in close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who has symptoms of mpox and they have been to Central or East Africa in the past three weeks
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You have any other symptoms of mpox and you have been to Central or East Africa in the past three weeks and had close contact with someone who had symptoms of mpox.
Please call Sefton Sexual Health if:
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You have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and have either:
-
had one or more new sexual partners in the past three weeks;
-
had sex or sexual contact with someone who has symptoms of mpox but has not been to Central or East Africa in the past three weeks.
Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you have been told what to do. Call the clinic before visiting and tell the person you speak to if you have had close contact with someone who has or might have mpox.
For more information on mpox please visit Mpox - NHS