There are an increasing number of cases of MPOX that have been identified in the UK. While MPOX can affect anyone, currently the majority of these diagnosed cases are among gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, with a disproportionate number of cases in London.
What is it?
MPOX is a virus passed between animals and humans, it can also be transmitted from human to human. It is usually rare in the UK, however recently increasing numbers of cases have been identified, with the majority of these being in gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men in London.
Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after infection. It is important to note that MPOX is not an STI by nature, however, it can be passed on by direct contact during sex.
How is it transmitted?
Most of the recent UK cases have been transmitted through close physical contact (skin-to-skin) – including during sex.
MPOX can be transmitted in other ways too, including through shared bedding, touching infected surfaces and close respiratory contact.
Close, sweaty, tops-off, skin-to-skin dancing and grinding can transmit the virus – it doesn’t need fluids to be involved for it to be passed on. Outbreaks have been linked to various nightclubs, events, saunas and sex on premises venues.
What are the symptoms?
- Initial symptoms of MPOX include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion
- New unexpected or unusual spots, ulcers and blisters can develop anywhere on the body
What should I do if I experience MPOX symptoms?
Current advice is to self-isolate and call 111, or a sexual health clinic. Do not attend a walk-in service without calling ahead.
If you are diagnosed with MPOX, as well as getting the treatment you need to feel better, you will also be asked for any details of close contacts who may be confidentially informed and might be asked to self-isolate or offered a smallpox vaccine.
If you develop symptoms and it’s possible – and safe – to do so, let your recent close physical contacts know, so they can be on the lookout for symptoms too. In some cases they might be offered post-exposure vaccination.
What will I expect if I am diagnosed with MPOX
Most people who have been diagnosed with MPOX feel unwell for a few weeks, but it can lead to hospitalisation, especially if MPOX sores or lesions get infected. It can also cause scaring, and the sores or lesions can be very painful. You will be asked to self-isolate and avoid close contact, including sex for 8 weeks after your diagnosis.
Is there a vaccine for MPOX?
Yes, a safe smallpox vaccine is available and currently offered to close contacts of people diagnosed with MPOX and healthcare professionals who are seeing potential MPOX cases. The vaccine reduces the likelihood of symptomatic infection and severe illness.
At this point, vaccine stocks are extremely limited and current stocks are being prioritised for those most at risk.
For further guidance and information, we recommend the following sites and resources:
- Terrence Higgins Trust
- The Love Tank, Queer Health
- The Monkeypox Gay Guide: Tips & Tricks For Our Queer Communities
- Monkeypox – important information for festivals, Pride events, and large gatherings
- Navigating monkeypox: considerations for gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men
- HIV i-base/UK-CAB Q&A
- BHIVA
- BASHH