Find out about the symptoms & treatment of mpox, as well as how to spot the rash & how to help avoid catching & spreading mpox
While it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of this virus, it’s important to remember that mpox is a very rare disease, symptoms are usually mild and the number of recorded cases in the UK is currently low.
Here’s everything you need to know about mpox, including what the main symptoms are and what you should do if you think you have it.
What is mpox?
Mpox is a rare infection caused by the mpox virus. It’s most commonly found in parts of west and central Africa. Although there have been some recent cases in the UK, the risk of catching it is low. Mpox isn’t related to chickenpox.
What are the symptoms of mpox?
It usually takes between five and 21 days for symptoms of mpox to appear. Symptoms can include:
- High temperature
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering
- Feelings of exhaustion
The first symptoms of mpox are usually followed by a rash a few days later. The rash often appears on the face and can then spread to other areas of the body, including the genitals.
The rash starts with raised spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters which eventually scab over and fall off. It’s sometimes confused with chickenpox, but mpox and chickenpox are caused by different viruses.
The mpox virus can be spread through close contact, so if you have symptoms, it’s important that you isolate until you start to feel better. Most cases of mpox are mild and symptoms usually clear up after a few weeks.
If your symptoms are more severe, you have a weakened immune system and think you may have mpox, or you’re still experiencing symptoms after a few weeks, speak to your GP.
How can you get mpox?
Mpox can be passed to humans when a person comes into close contact with an infected animal (typically rodents such as rats, mice or squirrels) in parts of west and central Africa. The virus can then pass from person to person through close contact.
You could be at risk of catching mpox if an infected animal bites you, or you come into contact with its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs. You could also catch mpox by eating meat from an infected animal that is undercooked or touching the skin or fur of an infected animal.
Mpox can be transmitted through sexual contact. Anyone can catch mpox, however currently most cases have been men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men.
You’re unlikely to have mpox unless you’ve recently travelled to west or central Africa, or if you’ve been in close contact (touching skin or sharing bedding or towels) with someone who has mpox or symptoms of mpox.
How to avoid getting mpox
If you're traveling in central or west Africa, certain things can help reduce your chances of catching mpox. Take a look at these dos and don’ts:
Do:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, and carry a hand sanitiser for when you’re out and about or don’t have access to soap and water
- If you’re eating meat, make sure it’s been thoroughly cooked
- Avoid close contact with anyone that’s unwell or has symptoms of mpox
Don’t:
- Don’t go near wild or stray animals, or any animals that appear unwell
- Don’t eat or touch meat from wild animals (also known as bush meat)
- Don’t touch bedding or towels that have been used by someone who’s unwell or has symptoms of mpox
Treatment for mpox
If you think you have mpox, it’s important that you stay at home and avoid close contact with other people until you start to feel better.
If you have mpox and your symptoms are severe or you have a weakened immune system, you may need to be treated in hospital.
The gov.uk website has further advice for people infected with mpox who are isolating at home.
Speak to your GP, a sexual health clinic or call 111 if you’re struggling to manage your symptoms at home, or if you have a weakened immune system and think you’ve got mpox.
