What is Mpox? (Formerly known as monkeypox)
While not an STI, Mpox is a virus which is spread through close physical contact.
As of August (2024) there has been a surge of a new Mpox strain (Clade 1b) primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of 31/10/2024, one case of Clade 1b was confirmed in the UK. The risk remains low, however men who have sex with men are encouraged to receive the vaccination if they have not already.
How is Mpox transmitted?
- Close physical contact including sex acts, kissing, cuddling or holding hands
- Touching clothing, bedding, towels or surfaces previously used by someone with Mpox
- Very close respiratory contact
What are the symptoms of Mpox?
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering/chills
- Exhaustion
- A rash
- usually appears 1-5 days after the first symptoms
- usually starts on the face, genitals or anus, but can appear anywhere on the body
- begins as raised spots, gradually turns to small blisters which eventually scab and fall off.
What to do if you believe you may have Mpox
- Contact your local sexual health clinic. Make sure to call before going to any healthcare settings.
- Find a sexual health clinic: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health/find-a-sexual-health-clinic
- Symptoms can last for 2-4 weeks, therefore, if confirmed to have Monkeypox it is advised to isolate, however, more specific advice may be given by health professionals.
Vaccination
- As Mpox is caused by a similar virus to smallpox, the smallpox vaccine offers a good level of protection. Protecting you from monkeypox: information on the smallpox vaccination - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- If you have been referred for care at Trafalgar Clinic (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Greenwich), you should be able to get a Mpox vaccine done at the same time. Trafalgar Clinic is not accepting referrals for Mpox vaccines alone.
- If you require your first or second dose of the vaccine follow this link to arrange an appointment at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/monkeypox-vaccine .
- SHL.uk have also compiled a list of the clinics in London currently offering the Mpox vaccine. Through this link https://mpx.shl.uk/ you can view the list and book an appointment.
- A similar tool is available on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/find-a-monkeypox-vaccination-site/
- Please do not attend any appointments if you are currently experiencing symptoms of Mpox.
More information:
We are aiming to keep this page updated as the situation and information evolves. However, here are some useful links that will also be helpful for you to keep an eye on:
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-people-with-monkeypox-infection-who-are-isolating-at-home
- MPOX 2024: what we know so far — QueerHealth
- If you have any questions or require further information you can also call the sexual health office on 020 8305 5005