Latest MPOX update August 2024
Mpox is a viral illness. Two different clades exist: clade 1 and clade 2.
In 2022, an outbreak of sexually transmitted Mpox clade 2 occurred, mainly among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). 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 Clade 1 Mpox cases. This outbreak has 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.
What to do:
• If you have recently travelled from the DRC or neighbouring countries and you had sex there, or you have had sex with someone you believe may have Mpox, look out for symptoms of mpox (including fever, headaches, and the appearance of a rash or lesions anywhere on the body) and contact the YorSexual Health clinic on 01904 721111 for advice. Please do not walk into the clinic unless you have spoken to us on the telephone.
• If you have recently travelled from the DRC or neighbouring countries but you have not had sex there, or you have had non-sexual contact with someone with Mpox, look out for the symptoms as above and contact NHS 111 for advice.
What are the symptoms?
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 changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab. Someone with mpox is infectious until the last scab has fallen off.
Can I get an Mpox Vaccination?
• Currently the Department of health have not issued any new advice to vaccinate those who may be at risk and we do not have any supply of Mpox vaccine. If this changes, we will update the information on our website as soon as possible.
