What is Mpox?
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a viral infection that usually has mild symptoms. It’s commonly found in areas of Central and Western Africa, but there have recently been cases in the UK and other countries. Here I’ll answer some of your common questions about Mpox.
What types of Mpox are there?
Mpox has two main types – Clade 1 (more serious) and Clade 2 (less serious). The UK has not yet had any Clade 1 Mpox infections.
Clade 1 infections are more common in Africa.
What are mpox symptoms?
A rash is the main symptom of Mpox, but there are often other symptoms too. These usually start between 5 and 21 days after being infected with the virus. They may include:
- a high temperature
- muscle aches
- backache
- a headache
- feeling very tired
- swollen lymph nodes
The rash usually begins within a few days of your symptoms starting. It usually starts on your face, and then spreads to other parts of your body. This often includes your hands and feet.
The rash starts off as small spots, which turn into fluid-filled blisters. The blisters eventually scab over and fall off.
How do you get Mpox?
Mpox can spread from animal to people, and from person to person. In Africa, you can get Mpox from infected rodents (rats, mice, or squirrels), if you:
- are bitten
- touch their fur or skin
- eat their undercooked meat
There’s no record of any animals being infected with Mpox in the UK.
Mpox can also be spread via close human contact. This includes:
- direct contact with Mpox skin blisters or scabs
- having sex with someone who has Mpox (this may be due to close physical contact rather than being sexually transmitted)
- contact with an infected person’s clothing, bedding, or towels
- through coughs and sneezes from an infected person
The good news is that Mpox doesn’t seem to spread very easily between people.
But you should be alert for symptoms if you’ve recently had new, or multiple, sexual partners.
You should also be aware if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has been confirmed as having the virus.
Who gets Mpox?
It’s possible for anyone to get Mpox. But most people who have been infected in the UK outbreak have been gay or bisexual men.
Mpox is still far more common in Central and Western Africa. So, you’re also more likely to get it if you’ve recently travelled to these areas or been in contact with someone who has.
You’re unlikely to get Mpox in the UK if you haven’t been in close contact with someone who has it.
What should I do if I have Mpox symptoms?
If you have a new, unexplained rash, especially on your face or genitals, contact a sexual health clinic, your GP surgery or NHS 111.
This is especially important if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has or might have Mpox in the last three weeks. In the meantime, don’t go out or mix with other people.
The only way to get a diagnosis of Mpox is to have a test for the virus. Currently, most Mpox tests in the UK are being done through sexual health clinics.
If you test positive, you will be asked to provide details of close contacts you’ve had in the past three weeks.
How is Mpox treated?
Mpox usually clears up by itself in a few weeks.
Most people only have mild symptoms and can manage their symptoms at home. You can take paracetamol to help with a fever or aches and pains. You’ll need to isolate from other people while you recover.
A small number of people may need treatment in hospital while they recover.
Although it’s not clear if Mpox is sexually transmitted, you’re advised to you wear a condom for up to eight weeks after you’ve been exposed.
Remember that you can still pass it on through direct skin-to-skin contact if you have a rash, spots, or blisters.
Is there an Mpox vaccination?
There isn’t a vaccination specifically for Mpox yet. But the smallpox (MVA) vaccine can offer protection against Mpox too, as the viruses are similar. The MVA vaccine is currently being offered by the NHS, to people at risk of Mpox. These include:
- people directly exposed to Mpox. Ideally the vaccine should be given within 4 days of direct contact with someone infected with Mpox, but can be given up to 14 days after exposure.
- gay or bisexual men, or men who have sex with other men, and have multiple sexual partners.
Currently vaccination is available in London or Manchester for eligible people who live there, or regularly travel there.
You can’t predict when you might want to see a GP, but you can be ready for when you do. Our GP subscriptions are available to anyone over 18 and give you peace of mind, with 15-minute appointments when it suits you at no extra cost.
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Sources Sources
- Mpox (monkeypox). World Health Organization. www.who.int, accessed 29 August 2024
- Mpox, background information. UK Health Security Agency. www.gov.uk, last updated 19 August 2024
- Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak: epidemiological overview. UK Health Security Agency. www.gov.uk, updated 13 June 2024
- Mpox. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, last updated 21 August 2024
- Latest information on Mpox. Terrence Higgins Trust. www.tht.org.uk, published 20 August 2024
- UKHSA urges those with new or multiple sexual partners to be vigilant as monkeypox outbreak grows. UK Health Security Agency. www.gov.uk, published 24 June 2022
- Mpox. NHS.www.nhs.uk, accessed 2 September 2024
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