Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease, usually associated with travel to west and central Africa. Since May 2022, we have been seeing an unusual number of cases increasing within the UK. However, the overall risk to the UK population is low.

Monkeypox is a viral infection, spread by close contact with someone with the virus. Monkeypox can be passed on from person to person through:

• any close physical contact with monkeypox blisters or scabs (including during sexual contact, kissing, cuddling or holding hands)
• touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with monkeypox
• the coughs or sneezes of a person with monkeypox when they're close to you

Call a Sexual Health Clinic - if you have a rash with blisters and:

• You've been in close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they've not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• You've been to west or central Africa in the past 3 weeks
• You have had a new sexual partner in the past 3 weeks

Call NHS 111 - they can tell you what to do if you have a rash but:

• you have not been in close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox
• you have not been to west Africa recently

You should call your GP if a child has a rash with blisters and has either:

• been in close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they've not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• been to west or central Africa in the past 3 weeks

They should stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you've been told what to do.