Be aware of monkeypox
Posted 26th May 2022
Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease, but there are a number of cases in the UK. That number is rising.
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.
However, recent cases are predominantly in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and as the virus spreads through close contact, we are advising these groups to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia, and to contact a sexual health service if they have concerns.
The symptoms are:
- Unusual rashes or lesions on the body such as the face or genital area
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Chills and exhaustion
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you are a patient of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and are concerned that you have any of these symptoms, please do not attend any appointments that you may have booked with us, but contact our CDU hotline on 0151 556 5013 for advice.
You should also contact NHS 111, where your inquiry will be treated sensitively and confidentially, and avoid close personal or sexual contact with others until you know that it is not monkeypox.
