Mpox (previously known as monkey pox) is a rare viral infection that spreads through close person-to-person contact.
There are two major types or ‘clades’ of mpox, known as clade 1 and clade 2. Clade 2 mpox, which appears to be a less severe strain, has been present in the UK since 2022, however only a small number of people in the UK have had mpox clade 2.
Cases of clade 1 mpox have recently been reported in countries in Africa and Europe, including a small number of cases in the UK. But, the overall risk to people living here remains low.
However if you have recently travelled to the affected countries please be aware of signs and symptoms and contact NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns.
Although anyone can catch mpox, it does not spread easily between people unless there is very close contact. It can spread through:
The symptoms of mpox include:
A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after a fever, headache and other symptoms. The rash (spots, blisters or ulcers) often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. This can include the mouth, genitals and anus. The number of sores can range from one to several thousand.
If you have recently travelled to any of the affected countries where clade 1 has been identified, and you have any new spots, blisters or ulcers that have developed within 21 days of returning, please self-isolate at home and call NHS 111 for advice, letting them know your travel history.
Mpox is usually mild and most people recover within a few weeks without treatment.
Mpox is caused by a similar virus to smallpox. The smallpox (MVA) vaccine should give a good level of protection against mpox.
The NHS is offering the smallpox (MVA) vaccine to people in London who are most likely to be exposed to mpox. People who are most likely to be exposed include:
You can find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about mpox below.
Anyone can catch mpox, so if you have recently travelled to an affected country, be aware of the symptoms of mpox.
If you, or anyone you have been in close contact with, see an unexpected rash with blisters, spots or ulcers anywhere on your body, you should:
For most people, the symptoms of mpox go away on their own within a few weeks with supportive care however it can be more severe.
New-born babies, children, people who are pregnant and people with underlying immune deficiencies may be at higher risk of more serious mpox disease and death.
Clade 1 HCID mpox is also known to cause more severe disease than clade 2 non-HCID
mpox.
The risk to the general public in the UK is currently considered low. However, we are reminding people who have recently travelled to any affected areas to be aware of signs and symptoms and contact a healthcare professional by calling 111 if they are concerned.
Currently, the risk to people in the UK is low, and the risk to most travellers is small.
The NHS is offering the smallpox (MVA) vaccine to people in London who are most likely to be exposed to mpox. People who are most likely to be exposed include:
People who are travelling abroad can seek health advice from their GP or from a travel health clinic, as well as referring to the country information on the Travel Health Pro website.
We have a supply of vaccines to provide to contacts of those who are diagnosed with mpox and initiate a vaccination programme where transmission in local areas may occur.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) keeps its travel advice for each country or territory under review to ensure it includes up-to-date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living there.
If you have recently travelled to any of the affected countries, and have any new spots, blisters or ulcers that have developed within 21 days of returning, please isolate at home and call NHS 111 for advice, letting them know your travel history.
Travel advice is regularly updated and we recommend anyone planning to travel to review this beforehand, including links to local authorities and services for advice and procedures
when on the ground.
More information for travellers on emerging risks is provided by National Travel Health Network and Centre.
The UK Health Security Agency(UKHSA) , the National Health Service (NHS) and partners have well tested response capabilities to detect, contain and treat new infectious diseases. This includes mpox.
The UK has sufficient testing capabilities in place to test for different types of mpox. There are also tried and tested contact tracing mechanisms in place to help reduce the likelihood of transmission.
If a case is confirmed in the UK, UKHSA would get in touch with all of the known contacts of the case. Depending on the degree of contact, they may be offered vaccination and / or monitoring for 21 days following their contact. This is to ensure that if they develop symptoms they can quickly receive treatment and be isolated to avoid onward transmission.
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