Information about Streptococcus A (Strep A) and scarlet fever
Monkeypox
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection.
The risk of getting monkeypox in Scotland currently remains low.
Anyone can get monkeypox. However, currently most of the cases across Europe and the UK have been in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
You can get monkeypox through close personal contact with someone who has the infection, such as during sex.
Vaccination to help protect against monkeypox
Monkeypox is caused by a virus similar to the one that causes smallpox. So vaccines designed for smallpox are considered effective against monkeypox.
Read about vaccination to help protect against monkeypox
Symptoms of monkeypox
If you're infected with monkeypox, symptoms usually start 5 to 21 days later. The symptoms often get better by themselves over 2 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms of monkeypox can include:
- a blistering rash that usually starts 1 to 5 days after other symptoms – the rash may start on the face or in the genital area and may spread to other parts of the body
- inflammation of the rectum (proctitis) – for example pain or bleeding from your back passage
- high temperature (fever)
- headache
- flu-like symptoms, including muscle and back aches, shivering and tiredness
- swollen glands that feel like new lumps (in the neck, armpits or groin)
The skin lesions (pox) go through 4 phases:
- Flat spots
- Raised spots
- Blisters
- Healing by scabbing or crusting over
Monkeypox rash can sometimes be confused with other diseases that can look similar, like chickenpox. A diagnosis of monkeypox requires an assessment by a health professional and specific testing.
How monkeypox is transmitted
Monkeypox is not transmitted very easily between people. However, you can get monkeypox from close contact with a person infected with monkeypox through:
- touching blisters or scabs and having any skin contact (including sexual contact)
- touching clothes, bedding, towels or personal items used by a person who has a monkeypox rash, blisters or scabs
- coughs or sneezes from a person with monkeypox
How to reduce the risk of transmission
To reduce your risk of exposure to monkeypox you should:
- avoid close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who is unwell and may have monkeypox
- avoid touching the clothes, bedding or towels of a person who may have a monkeypox rash
- avoid coughs and sneezes from a person who may have monkeypox
- practice careful hand hygiene if visiting or caring for ill friends and relatives who may have monkeypox
Treating monkeypox
Monkeypox is usually a mild illness. Most people recover in 2 to 4 weeks.
However, in some cases if a person is really unwell, they may require hospital treatment in a specialist unit.
What to do if you're worried you have monkeypox
Non-urgent advice: Phone your GP or sexual health clinic if:
You have symptoms of monkeypox and you identify as a gay, bisexual or other man who has sex with men (GBMSM).
Or, you have symptoms of monkeypox and regardless of your sexual orientation, in the last 21 days you've either:
- been in contact with someone who has told you they think they have monkeypox or has had a positive test
- had 1 or more new sexual partners
- travelled to west or central Africa
Non-urgent advice: Phone a sexual health clinic if:
You have:
- genital lesions (for example a blister or sore)
- proctitis (for example inflammation, pain or bleeding from your back passage)
Find your local sexual health clinic
If your sexual health clinic is closed, phone your GP. If your GP is closed, phone 111. In an emergency phone 999.
You should stay at home, avoid close contact with others and get medical help by phone until you're assessed.
What to do if you have monkeypox and have been told to self-isolate
If you have monkeypox, your doctor or a health protection specialist will advise you to self-isolate at home.
You'll have been provided with contact details of a medical team and you should contact them if you have any concerns. Get medical attention quickly if your illness is worsening. In an emergency, phone 999 and tell the call handler or operator that you have monkeypox infection.
Last updated:
31 January 2023