MPOX (previously known as monkeypox)
Mpox is a rare infection most commonly found in West or central Africa. There has recently been an increase in cases in the UK and a number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in Yorkshire. The risk of catching the virus is low. The majority of cases have been among gay and bisexual men.
How you can catch MPOX
Mpox can be spread from person to person through:
- Any physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs (including during a sexual contact, kissing, cuddling, or holding hands).
- Touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by someone with monkey pox.
- Coughs or sneezes of a person with mpox when they are close to you.
Symptoms of MPOX
If you get infected with mpox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear. The first symptoms of mpox include:
- high temperature
- headache
- back ache
- swollen glands
- muscle ache
- shivering
- exhaustion
- joint pain
A rash usually appears about five days after the symptoms. the rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body. this can include the mouth, genitals, and anus.
The rash is sometimes confused with chicken pox, it starts with a rare spot which turns into a small blister filled with fluid these blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off.
What should I do if I have or I have been in contact with someone with MPOX?
Contact your local sexual health clinic if:
You have a rash with blisters, anal pain, or bleeding from your bottom or if you have been in close contact (including sexual contact) with someone who might have monkeypox, even if they have not been tested yet.
If you have had one or more new sexual partners in the past three weeks
Been to West or central after Africa in the past three weeks
Call the clinic before visiting - tell the person you speak too if you have had close contact with someone who has or might have mpox.
The Vaccination
There is now a vaccine that can help prevent the transmission of mpox and we will be offering a free vaccine to gay and bisexual men who are most likely to be exposed to monkeypox. You should wait to be contacted. If you are eligible, your local sexual health clinic will let you know. Unfortunately, at present there is limited supply of the vaccination, but we will be contacting you as soon as there is more vaccine available.
If you are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men, not known to your local clinic and you think you are at high risk of coming into contact with mpox - for example if you have had more than 10 male sexual partners in the past 3 months - call 01482 247111.
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