What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close, person-to-person contact, often via sexual contact.

Mpox is usually a self-limiting illness (it will go away without treatment) and most people get better in several weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.

There are different types of mpox called ‘clades’: Clade 1 and Clade 2.

Clade 1 mpox: Clade 1 mpox is present in Central/East Africa with occasional cases reported in other countries including UK. Clade 1 is known as a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) because it causes more severe symptoms.

Clade 2 mpox:  This is a less severe strain mainly passed on via sexual contact. There were many cases  of Clade 2 mpox in the UK in 2022 amongst men who have sex with men (MSM).  Cases are still present in the UK, mainly amongst MSM who have multiple/casual partners.

What are the symptoms of mpox?

The symptoms of mpox include:

• A skin rash with blisters, spots or ulcers that can appear anywhere on your body (including your genitals)
• Fever
• Headaches, backache and muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Swollen glands
• Shivering (chills) and exhaustion

You may get the rash with no other symptoms.

What do I do if I think I have mpox:

If you think you may have mpox, please do not walk into our service. Please let our care navigators know over the phone or through live chat on our website. They will pass you to a clinician for advice. We can only see patients who may have Clade 2 mpox, so it is important we speak to you on the phone first.  If you have any symptoms and you, or someone you have been in contact with, have travelled to Central or East Africa in the last 21 days, please do not walk into our service.

Is there a vaccination against mpox?

Yes, the smallpox vaccination has good protection against mpox. Evidence suggests that the vaccine is effective if given to people before they are exposed to the infection.  The vaccine course is usually 2 doses (one month apart) but most of the protection comes from the first dose, so having one dose will significantly reduce the risk of getting mpox.

How and when can I get an mpox vaccination?

At Leeds Sexual Health, we can only give the vaccination to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men who have multiple/casual partners, participate in group sex or attend ‘sex on premises’ venues. At this time, we can only offer your first vaccination, meaning if you have never had the mpox (smallpox) vaccination before. If you are unsure if you are eligible, please contact us and we can advise you.

We can offer the mpox vaccination in an mpox vaccine clinic.  This can be booked using our Online Form (click Medication Request). Or by phoning our care navigators on 0113 843 4495 Monday to Friday (8.30am to 4.30pm). Or by using our live chat function (Monday to Friday 1.30pm to 4.00pm).