Mpox in the UK
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).
Cases of the type of Mpox that may be more serious (called Clade 1 Mpox) are very rare in the UK.
So far this type of Mpox has mainly been found in countries across central and east Africa.
The risk of catching Mpox in the UK is low.
A new national vaccination programme is restarting in the UK in January 2025. See below for details.
- How 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’re 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’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
- 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:
- a high temperature (fever)
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
- joint pain
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 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.
- What do I do if I have symptoms?
Call NHS 111 if:
- you have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and you’ve been to central or east Africa in the past 3 weeks
- you have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and you’ve been in close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who has symptoms of mpox and they’ve been to central or east Africa in the past 3 weeks
- you have any other symptoms of mpox and you’ve been to central or east Africa in the past 3 weeks and had close contact with someone who had symptoms of mpox
Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you’ve been told what to do.
Tell the person you speak to about your recent travel history.
Non-urgent advice: Call a sexual health clinic if:
You have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and have either:
- had 1 or more new sexual partners in the past 3 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 3 weeks
Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you’ve been told what to do.
Call the clinic before visiting. Tell the person you speak to if you’ve had close contact with someone who has or might have mpox.
- How can I get the vaccine?
The NHS is offering the mpox vaccine to people who are at increased risk of catching mpox.
You may be able to have the mpox vaccine if:
- you’re a man who has sex with other men and you have multiple partners, participate in group sex or attend sex-on-premises venues (staff at these venues may also be eligible), or take PrEP
- you’ve had contact with someone who has mpox
Unity Sexual Health are rolling out invitations for vaccination to those patients on our records who are eligible. You will receive a text from DoctorDoctor and can book an appoinment for your vaccine ONLY via the link. If you have not received this text by 25/01/2025, but you believe you are eligible please contact our health advising team and leave a message 0117 342 6944.