Monkeypox symptoms

Health officials have stressed that the risk of infection remains low and that monkeypox is not a 'repeat of Covid-19'

A rash, which is sometimes confused with chickenpox, usually appears on the face or hands one to five days after the first symptoms. The virus does not spread easily between people and the risk to the UK population is low. To help prevent infection, you should wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. However, the most recent cases are in gay, bisexual and other MSM communities. Alongside this we are receiving reports of further cases being identified in other countries globally." Anyone with symptoms is urged to seek medical help.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance now recommends that people in close contact should isolate for three weeks.

It is carrying out contact tracing of people who have been in close contact with the affected. The virus spreads through close contact and the UKHSA is advising people, particularly those who are gay, bisexual or who have sex with men, to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body. “We’re using it in individuals who we believe are at high risk of developing symptoms, and using it early, particularly within four or five days of the case developing symptoms.