Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is low.
Mpox in the UK
There have been a small number of cases of mpox in the UK since 2022. These have mainly been a type of mpox that may be milder (called Clade 2 mpox).
Cases of the type of mpox that may be more serious (called Clade 1 mpox) are very rare in the UK.
So far this type of mpox has mainly been found in countries across central and east Africa.
The risk of catching mpox in the UK is low.