Public Health Isle of Man advises that the risk of Mpox to Island residents remains low.
As a precautionary measure, Island healthcare services are planning and preparing to deal with any potential Mpox cases.
This follows the World Health Organization taking action to prompt a global response, after a surge in Mpox cases primarily in areas of Africa.
Previously known as monkey pox, Mpox is a viral infection that can cause painful skin lesions – and is spread through direct contact.
One case has been confirmed in Sweden, and no cases have been reported on the Island. The overall risk remains low to the general public, but people asked to be aware of the symptoms.
Advice from Public Health Isle of Man is to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia. Anyone with concerns is asked to make contact with the Isle of Man sexual health clinic or their GP if they have concerns.
Those who may be at higher risk include anyone who changes sexual partners regularly, who has regular close contact with others or who has recently travelled to any of the affected African countries.
It’s important to stress that this is not an illness that affects one community more than any other and it’s not a sexually transmitted disease – it is spread by close contact.
The main 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 think you have Mpox symptoms – however mild – please:
- Phone your GP or the sexual health clinic, to discuss arranging an appointment. Do not visit without an appointment. Your call will be treated sensitively and confidentially
- Avoid close personal or sexual contact with others until you know that this is not Mpox
You can contact the sexual health clinic by calling +44 1624 650710.
