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Monkeypox information

Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare infectious disease, but there are a number of cases in the UK and the number is rising.

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Symptoms of Monkeypox: Unusual rashes or lesions on the body, such as the face or genital area. Fever. Muscle aches. Chills and exhaustion. Headaches. Swollen lymph nodes.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is investigating a number of cases of monkeypox in England. Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness, spread by very close contact with someone with monkeypox and most people recover within a few weeks. The virus can spread if there is close contact between people and the risk to the UK population is low.

Symptoms can include unusual rashes or lesions on the body such as the face or genital area, fever, muscle aches, chills and exhaustion, headaches and swollen lymph nodes

You can read Monkeypox case definitions on GOV.UK.

  • Where possible, pregnant women and severely immunosuppressed individuals (as outlined in the Green book ) should not assess or clinically care for individuals with suspected or confirmed monkeypox. This will be reassessed as evidence emerges.

Immediate actions to take, including PPE

Patients who meet any of the case definitions on GOV.UK should be discussed with the Consultant Microbiologist and inform our infection control team.

  1. The patient should be isolated into their own single room, ideally with en-suite facilities
  2. Staff should ensure they enhance their PPE to include:
  • Eye protection
  • FFP3 respirators
  • Long sleeve gown and gloves
  • Ensure strict hand hygiene

Local PPE guidance

The PPE stated below is enhanced above what is required nationally for possible and probable cases. Despite national UK HSA guidance, it has been agreed locally that for possible/probable and confirmed cases of Monkey Pox the minimum PPE is:

  • fit-tested FFP3 respirator
  • eye protection
  • long sleeved, fluid repellent, disposable gown
  • gloves

PPE poster

Mask use for patients

All possible, probable and confirmed cases of MPX should be provided with a facemask (type II or type IIR) on arrival at the care area in all healthcare settings to be worn for the duration of the treatment/consultation unless removed for clinical assessment/treatment.

Patients with possible, probable or confirmed MPX transferring from one care area to another should wear a facemask (unless clinically contraindicated). The requirement for patients to wear a facemask must never compromise their clinical care, such as when oxygen therapy is required or cause distress e.g. paediatrics

Action card for health professionals

Action card 1

Latest news and updates

Information:

Monkeypox: diagnostic testing

Information on taking, submitting and processing samples which potentially contain monkeypox virus.

Please note: any diagnostic testing for Monkey Pox must first be discussed with a Consultant Microbiologist. Staff are also asked to wear a FFP3 respirator with eye protection when performing any diagnostics.

Monkeypox: The epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and management of monkeypox virus infections on GOV.UK now includes links to specific aspects of the guidance for healthcare professionals and the public – specific guidance is now cross-linked and increasingly integrated.

Monkeypox: case definitions

This guidance describes case definitions to inform testing and reporting of suspected monkeypox cases: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox-case-definitions

Monkeypox: contact tracing

Classification of contacts and advice for vaccination and follow-up of contacts of confirmed monkeypox cases: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-contact-tracing

Monkeypox vaccination

Recommendations for the use of pre and post exposure vaccination during a monkeypox incident: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-vaccination

Please note that updated case numbers are planned to be published daily Mon-Fri in the afternoon using a cut of the data from 0930 hrs each morning.

Further information on NHS.UK

NHS.UK has a detailed page on Monkeypox

Monkeypox: Questions and answers

Read the latest Q&A from the UKHSA:

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