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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 for most people.
Mpox can be passed on from person to person through:
In parts of central and east Africa, mpox can also be caught from infected rodents (such as rats, mice and squirrels) if:
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 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.
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.
You have a rash with blisters or sores (ulcers) and have either:
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.
Stay at home and call 111 for advice if you're not able to contact a sexual health clinic.
NHS 111 can tell you what to do if you have a rash but:
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 will need treatment in hospital.
The risk of needing treatment in hospital is higher for:
Because the infection can be passed on through close contact, it's important to isolate if you're told to do so.
Mpox is caused by an infection with the mpox virus. The mpox vaccine can give good protection against mpox.
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:
If you've had contact with someone who has mpox, the contact tracing team should contact you. They will check your risk of catching mpox and tell you if you need to have an mpox vaccine.
The mpox vaccine is given as an injection.
Most people will be offered 2 doses of the vaccine at least 1 month apart. Some people only need 1 dose of the mpox vaccine.
If you're eligible for the mpox vaccine, you can find an mpox vaccination site
The healthcare professional at your appointment will check if you're eligible.
If you've been offered an mpox vaccine because you've had contact with someone who has mpox, you do not need to find an mpox vaccination site. The mpox contact tracing team should tell you where to get vaccinated.
Although mpox is rare, there are things you can do to reduce your chance of getting it and passing it on.
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 central or east Africa
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
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 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 eat or touch meat from wild animals while travelling in central or east Africa
