Mpox
Overview
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is an infection that usually causes a rash and flu-like symptoms. The risk of catching it in the UK is low for most people.
Symptoms
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: a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shiverya headachemuscle achesbackacheswollen glandsshivering (chills)exhaustionjoint pain You may not get all of these symptoms. A 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 withchickenpox. 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.
Treatment
Mpox is usually mild and can get better within a few weeks without treatment. But if your symptoms are more severe and you become unwell, you may need treatment in hospital. The risk of needing treatment in hospital is higher for: older peopleyoung childrenpeople with a condition or who are taking a medicine that affects their immune system Because the infection can be passed on through close contact, it's important to isolate if you're told to do so.
Prevention
Although mpox is rare, there are things you can do to reduce your chance of getting it and passing it on. get vaccinated if you're offered thempox vaccine get vaccinated if you're offered thempox vaccine wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser look out for any possible symptoms of mpox for 3 weeks after returning from an area with mpox look out for any possible symptoms of mpox for 3 weeks after returning from an area with mpox talk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have talk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have be aware of the symptoms of mpox if you're sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners be aware of the symptoms of mpox if you're sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners take a break from sex and intimate contact if you have symptoms of mpox until you're seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it on take a break from sex and intimate contact if you have symptoms of mpox until you're seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it on do not share bedding or towels with people who may have mpox do not share bedding or towels with people who may have mpox do not have close contact (within 1 metre) with people who may have mpox do not have close contact (within 1 metre) with people who may have mpox do not go near wild or stray animals, including animals that appear unwell or are dead, while travelling in central or east Africa do not go near wild or stray animals, including animals that appear unwell or are dead, while travelling in central or east Africa do not eat or touch meat from wild animals while travelling in central or east Africa do not eat or touch meat from wild animals while travelling in central or east Africa