Monkeypox

Symptoms of monkeypox

Initial symptoms of monkeypox include:

• fever
• headache
• muscle aches
• backache
• swollen lymph nodes
• chills and exhaustion

A rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body including the genitals.

The rash changes and goes through different stages. It can look like chickenpox or syphilis, before finally forming a scab which later falls off.

How you catch monkeypox

The infection can be passed on through close contact with someone with the infection or contact with clothing or linens used by a person who has monkeypox.

Risks of exposure include:

• exposure to a confirmed or probable case in the 21 days before symptom onset
• history of travel to an area where monkeypox is endemic, or where there is a current outbreak in the 21 days before symptom onset*
• gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM)

*Recent cases have been reported in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE and USA.

Getting tested

If you think you have been at risk of exposure to monkeypox and have unusual rashes or lesions on any part of your body, especially your genitalia, you should contact your local healthcare provider or GUM clinic without delay if you have concerns. Phone first ahead of a visit to a healthcare facility.

A notable proportion of recent cases in England and Europe have been found in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, so if this applies to you, the PHA is particularly encouraging you to be alert to the symptoms and seek help if concerned.

Your call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Vaccinations

Information on the smallpox vaccination to protect against monkeypox is available at the links below:

• Protecting you from monkeypox
• Why you may have to wait for your vaccination against monkeypox

Further information

More information is available at:

• Monkeypox