Monkeypox is a rare infection that’s mainly found in parts of west or central Africa. There have been some recent cases in the UK, but the risk of catching it is low.
Monkeypox in the UK
Although more people have been diagnosed with it recently, only a small number of people in the UK have had monkeypox and the risk remains low.
You’re extremely unlikely to have monkeypox if:
- you have not been in close contact (such as touching their skin or sharing bedding) with someone who has monkeypox or has monkeypox symptoms
- you have not recently travelled to west or central Africa
Anyone can get monkeypox. Some cases have been diagnosed in men who have sex with men, so it’s particularly important to be aware of the symptoms if you’re a man who has sex with men.
Call 111 or contact a sexual health clinic if:
You have a rash with blisters and either:
- you’ve been in close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
- you’ve been to west or central Africa in the past 3 weeks
- you’re a man who has sex with men
Tell the person you speak to if you’ve had close contact with someone who has or might have monkeypox, or if you’ve recently travelled to central or west Africa.
Do not go to a sexual health clinic without contacting them first. Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people until you’ve been told what to do.
For further information, please visit the NHS website.