The global and national mpox situation is developing rapidly. Guidance may change as the situation evolves
Mpox (formerly known as mpox) is a viral infection which is related to smallpox and causes a range of symptoms including lumps or ulcers (sores) on the genitals and/or skin elsewhere.
In 2022, an outbreak of sexually transmitted mpox was identified caused by clade (or strain) 2b. This strain was mainly in gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), in parts of the world where mpox was rare. In the UK, a widespread vaccination programme was undertaken using smallpox vaccines.
In August 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in relation to the rise of mpox cases. These are linked to clade 1, which have been detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and an increasing number of neighbouring countries. One case has been detected in Europe that was associated with travel to the affected region.
Clade 1 also appears to be transmitted through sexual networks, and is affecting key populations in DRC and surrounding countries. However there is currently no evidence that GBMSM in the UK are at any increased risk of clade 1 mpox. There is on-going transmission of clade 2b mpox amongst GBMSM in the UK, although case numbers are currently much lower than when the outbreak first arose here in 2022.
Sexual health clinics in London offer Mpox vaccination to individuals at risk of getting clade 2b mpox via sex. The immunization programme is focused on gay, bi or other men who have sex with men who:
You should not have the vaccine if you are:
The vaccine is very safe and most people get no side effects. Some people have temporary mild flu like symptoms such as fever, aches and tiredness. Others may get itching or soreness at the injection site. Two doses at least 28 days apart offer the best protection against mpox, although you are likely to get significant protection after one dose. You do not need a 3rd (booster) dose even if your last dose was some time ago. The vaccine offers protection against both clades 1 and 2.
If you are a gay, bisexual or other man who has sex with men (GBMSM), if you are involved in sex work or if you feel you are at high risk of acquiring mpox through sex, please contact us to discuss the vaccine.
Our clinics are very busy dealing with requests for vaccine so please bear with us. We’ll add more slots online when we can, check https://chelwest.liliehub.health/Lilie-CWH/Hub/home – sign in (or create login if you’re new) and scroll down to “Dean Street Express Mpox Vaccine”.
For others in the UK:
Symptoms begin 5–21 days (average 6–16 days) after being exposed to the virus. The first signs are a high fever, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes and a severe headache but some people may not have these initial symptoms. Approximately 1–5 days later a rash appears. The rash often starts on the genitals or face before spreading to other parts of the body. The rash changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab (see pictures below). Someone with mpox is infectious until the last scab has fallen off.
Clade 2 mpox is usually mild and most people will recover within a few weeks without any treatment. Occasionally, people become more unwell and require hospital admission, so if you have been diagnosed with mpox, let us know if your symptoms worsen. People with clade 1 mpox may require more intensive medical input.
Mpox does not spread easily between people. Person-to-person spread may occur through:
Call us on 02033155656 for advice if you become unwell with a fever and then develop a rash on your genitals a few days later. Please don’t walk into the clinic. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with others. Don’t share plates, cutlery, bedding, towels and other linen. Avoid sex until you’re given the all clear.
If you test positive, continue to isolate until the last scab comes off. If you have to travel (e.g. a hospital appointment), you should ideally walk, cycle or be driven in your own car. If you have no other choice, wear a mask and cover any lesions on public transport.
Some people are at increased risk of complications for mpox. So particularly avoid contact with these groups
