Mpox

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral infection. Until 2022 it was mostly seen in parts of West and Central Africa In 2022 there was a major outbreak of Mpox globally, including in the UK, and was mostly affecting gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Recently Mpox has been back in the news, and globally, the situation is changing rapidly, so guidance is likely to change as the situation develops. The new variant is known as Clade 1b and appears to transmit in the same way through close contact.

The over all risk in the UK remains low but for more information as the news develops keep track at:  MPOX: Everything we know so far — QueerHealth

How you get Mpox:

It is usually passed on through skin-to-skin contact, often during sex. But this could also be through getting up close in a bar or club, cuddling or other close physical contact.

It can also transmit through contact with contaminated bedding or towels used by someone with Mpox.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can include small, raised spots which become blisters and scabs. Threse can be on the face, body, hands or where you’ve had sex.

A rash usually appears 1-5 days after the first symptoms.

First early symptoms include:

  • High temperature
  • Muscle Aches
  • Headaches
  • Swollen glands
  • Shivering
  • Joint pain

Vaccination:

The targeted vaccination programme in 2022 worked well at lowering the rate of transmission of Mpox in the UK, and now many people who would be at risk of Mpox infection are now very well protected against illness.

Eligible people are offered two shots of the vaccine, and you will receive the second vaccine at least 28 days after the first one.

Vaccination is available in sexual health clinics, and you are eligible and haven’t had your first or second dose yet you can get them at your next clinic appointment.

The following groups are eligible for the vaccine:

  • Gay, bi and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
  • Trans men, trans women and non-binary people assigned male at birth (AMAB) who are having sex with men

Vaccination is encouraged if you visit sex on-premises venues, such as saunas, or engage in sex parties and group sex.

You can find where to get your first or second dose of Mpox vaccine through these links:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mpox/find-a-mpox-vaccination-site
https://www.shl.uk/support/mpox