Mpox – important information

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a case of Clade Ib mpox in Leeds. This is a more serious type of a rare infection most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa. While the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low it is helpful to be aware of common symptoms of mpox which include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

If you have any symptoms and you, or someone you have been in contact with, have travelled to any of the countries below in the last 21 days, please do not visit a GP or health centre. Instead, call 111 or your GP practice. You will be assessed and referred to the appropriate team.

Countries affected (as at 28 November 2024)
*Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon, Sudan, South Sudan. Consider neighbouring countries at risk (Angola, Tanzania, Zambia (subject to change – please visit GOV.UK for the most up to date information).

A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It can be on any part of the body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, genitals and anus.
For more information and a list of symptoms, please check the NHS website (www.nhs.uk)
More information about mpox is also available on the UKHSA website (www.gov.uk)