What is monkeypox?
Mpox is a rare viral infection that can be spread through close personal contact; however, it is important to note that monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Mpox is usually a mild disease with people being safely managed at home. Although, you may need to self-isolate if you have the infection to stop it from spreading to others.
Who can get Mpox
Anyone can get Mpox however, most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with other men. It is recommended that everyone stays alert to signs of infection, particularly those who identify within these groups.
Symptoms of monkeypox
The first symptoms of Mpox can take between 5 and 21 days to appear.
Initial symptoms might include:
- A high temperature
- Headache
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering (chills)
- Exhaustion
Some people don’t get these general symptoms or feel unwell initially before they get a rash. Mpox can cause a wide range of skin rashes or lesions (lumps/bumps/spots or sores). Some people have a widespread rash with many spots all over them; some get only a few spots. Most cases of Mpox get sores around the anal or genital area or inside the mouth and this might correspond to where the infection was passed on. Some can get proctitis which is painful sores and bleeding just inside the anus.
If you have any of these symptoms and you are a gay, bisexual or a man who has sex with men;
OR
you’ve had contact with someone who has Mpox;
OR
you have had a new sexual partner in the last 3 weeks please contact your GP or local sexual health clinic. Ensure you tell the clinic you’re experiencing symptoms before you attend. The clinic will be able to assist with testing and treatment.
Test.me are currently unable to offer tests that diagnose Mpox.
How is Mpox spread?
Mpox doesn’t easily spread between people, however, it can be passed on through close personal contact with a person who has the infection.
This means that Mpox can be spread through:
- Close physical contact with Mpox blisters or scabs, including sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral sex)
- Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with Mpox
- Being near the coughs or sneezes of a person with Mpox
If you are worried that you might have been in contact with the Mpox virus, please contact your doctor or local sexual health clinic.
Find out more:
Last reviewed July 2022 by Dr John White
Dr John White has over 25 years’ clinical experience within sexual health, having been an NHS consultant in Genitourinary Medicine since 2004, including 13 years at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London. John is currently working in the Western and Northern Health & Social Care Trusts, Northern Ireland