Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus.
Most cases have been in Africa. The risk of catching monkeypox in the UK is very low.
It’s usually a mild illness that will get better on its own without treatment. Some people can develop more serious symptoms, so patients with monkeypox in the UK are cared for in specialist hospitals.
What is the risk of catching monkeypox in the UK?
There have been 3 cases of monkeypox in the UK in September 2018. The first two were in people who had travelled from Africa.
The third person was a healthcare worker who cared for one of the two first cases. The healthcare worker was infected before monkeypox was suspected and special precautions were put in place.
Public Health England has already contacted everyone who was known to be in close contact with the 3 infected people.
If you haven’t been contacted by Public Health England, be reassured you are extremely unlikely to catch monkeypox.
Symptoms of monkeypox
The illness begins with:
- high temperature
- headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- chills
- exhaustion
A rash usually begins 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear. The spots often start on the face before spreading to other parts of the body.
During the illness the rash changes from raised red bumps, to spots filled with fluid. The spots eventually form scabs which later fall off.
How monkeypox is spread
Monkeypox does not spread easily between people, but it’s possible to catch it from:
- touching items like clothing, bedding or towels used by an infected person
- touching monkeypox spots or scabs
- a person with a monkeypox rash who coughs or sneezes near you
Diagnosis of monkeypox
It’s difficult to know if the infection is monkeypox as it can often be confused with other infections such as chickenpox.
It is diagnosed after an examination by a specialist and testing by Public Health England.
Treating monkeypox
Treatment for monkeypox aims to relieve the symptoms and takes place in specialist hospitals.
Further information
Find more detailed information on monkeypox on GOV.UK.
