Monkeypox is a rare infection that's mainly spread by wild animals in parts of west or central Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is very low. However, the virus can spread if there is close contact with someone who has the virus and we are asking people to be alert to any new rashes or lesions on any part of their body.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of monkeypox include:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Muscle aches
- Backache
- Swollen glands
- Shivering (chills)
- Exhaustion
A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the initial symptoms. The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body.
The symptoms are typically mild and usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.
You must contact your GP or call 111 if:
You have a rash with blisters and either:
- You've been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox or has symptoms of monkeypox
- You've been to west or central Africa in the past 6 weeks
Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people until you’ve been given advice.
