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Mpox (monkeypox)

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close, person-to-person contact.

Like many diseases caused by a virus, mpox has different types, or ‘clades’ – clade 1 and clade 2.

Clade 2 mpox has been present in the UK since 2022.

Clade 1 mpox had previously only been reported in five countries in Central Africa including:

  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic (CAR)
  • the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
  • Gabon
  • the Republic of the Congo.

But there is now increasing transmission of clade 1 mpox in several countries in the wider Africa Region and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern.

As of 4 November 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 3 confirmed human cases of Clade Ib mpox, a strain of Clade 1. The risk to the UK population remains low.

UKHSA, the NHS and partner organisations have well tested capabilities to detect, contain and treat novel infectious diseases, and there has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to confirmed cases.

Read UKHSA's latest update.

However, anyone can catch mpox which spreads through close contact, including intimate or sexual contact, with someone who has the mpox virus, and through contact with contaminated materials.

While more information is emerging, there is a potential risk of mpox spreading if you are close to an individual with mouth lesions of mpox when they are coughing or sneezing. Mpox does not spread easily between people unless there is close contact.

The symptoms of mpox include:

  • a skin rash with blisters, spots or ulcers that can appear anywhere on your body (including your genitals)
  • fever
  • headaches, backache, and muscle aches
  • joint pains
  • swollen glands
  • shivering (chills) and exhaustion

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.

What is the risk to the public’s health?

The overall risk to the UK public is currently considered low. However, due to the severity of clade 1 mpox, the UK Health Security Agency is reminding people who have recently travelled to the affected areas to be aware of signs and symptoms and contact a healthcare professional if they are concerned.

How we can protect ourselves and others

Anyone can catch mpox.

If you have 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.

More information

If would like to find out more about the latest mpox outbreak, the following links contain lots of helpful information and updates: