Mpox information
The global and national mpox situation is evolving rapidly. Guidance may change as the situation develops.
Mpox is a viral infection related to smallpox, causing a range of symptoms depending on the strain (or clade). In 2022, an outbreak of clade 2b mpox was identified, primarily affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in regions where mpox was previously rare. The UK responded with a widespread vaccination programme using smallpox vaccines.
In August 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to a significant upsurge in mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and an increasing number of neighboring countries in Africa. This recent concern is linked to clade 1, which has been predominantly detected in these regions. However, there is currently no evidence that GBMSM in the UK are at increased risk from clade 1 mpox.
Clade 1, though primarily transmitted through general close contact, may also spread through sexual networks, disproportionately affecting key populations in the DRC and surrounding countries. There is ongoing, albeit reduced, transmission of clade 2b mpox among GBMSM in the UK.
If you are GBMSM, involved in sex work, or feel you are at high risk of acquiring mpox through sex, please contact one of our clinics to discuss vaccination:
- Partial (one dose) or full (two doses) vaccination offers significant protection against clade 2b mpox infection
- It is assumed that the vaccine used in the UK since 2022 also provides protection against clade 1 due to genetic similarities between the clades
- There is currently no evidence to suggest that booster doses (a third dose) offer additional protection against mpox
Advice for others in the UK:
- If you plan to travel to the DRC or neighbouring countries, please do not contact your sexual health clinic for mpox vaccination, as clinics are not authorised to issue travel-related vaccines
- If you have recently returned from the DRC or neighbouring countries and had sexual contact there, or if you suspect you may have been in close contact with someone with mpox symptoms, monitor yourself for symptoms (including fever, headaches and the appearance of a rash or lesions) and contact NHS 111 for advice
Patient information
Symptoms of Mpox
Symptoms typically begin 5–21 days (average 6–16 days) after exposure. Early signs include a high fever, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a severe headache, though some people may not exhibit these initial symptoms. A rash usually appears 1–5 days later, often starting on the genitals or face before spreading. The rash progresses through several stages before forming scabs, which eventually fall off. Individuals are infectious until the last scab has fallen off.
Clade 2 mpox is usually mild, and most people recover within a few weeks without treatment. However, clade 1 mpox may require more intensive medical care. If diagnosed with mpox, stay in contact with your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms worsen.
How is mpox acquired?
Mpox is not easily spread between people. It can be transmitted through:
- Direct contact with skin lesions or scabs
- Contact with contaminated clothing or linens
- Inhalation of respiratory droplets from someone with an mpox rash
What to do if you suspect mpox
If you believe you have symptoms of mpox, contact us for advice on one of the following numbers:
- John Hunter Clinic: 020 3315 4040
- 10 Hammersmith Broadway: 020 3315 1010
- Sexual Health Hounslow: 020 8321 5718
- 56 Dean Street: 020 3315 5656
Avoid sharing bedding, towels, and other linens. Avoid sexual contact until your symptoms have been assessed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will contact individuals who may have been exposed to mpox to provide further advice. Those exposed to a known case may be advised to self-isolate at home for 21 days. Vaccination after exposure to a confirmed case can reduce the risk of illness.