Latest Information Including Countries Affected
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected a case of Clade I mpox in Leeds. This is a more serious type of a rare infection, most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa. Whilst the risk of catching mpox in the UK remains low, it is helpful to be aware of some of the more common symptoms of mpox which include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions that can last 2 to 4 weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
What To Do If You Have Symptoms
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
Considerations is also being given to neighbouring countries at risk, such as:
- 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.
More information about mpox is also available on the UKHSA website.