What is mpox?

Mpox is a viral infection. It can lead to an illness that ranges from mild to severe and can last a number of weeks. Up until recently, it was only seen in countries where the virus is very common and sometimes in people who return home from those countries.

Most of the cases in Ireland do not have a travel link to a country where mpox is common and have most likely got this infection in Ireland. Many countries have reported that the cases are mostly, but not exclusively, in gay and bisexual men or other men who have sex with men. However, anyone can be infected with m-pox and it is important not to refer to the virus as only impacting gay and bi men or men who have sex with men.

Currently, the cases of mpox in Ireland remain low, with six cases reported so far in 2024.  The World Health Organisation has now declared this as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

How do you get mpox?

In Ireland, you would most likely get a mpox infection through close physical contact with someone who has the infection. However, it does not spread easily between people. The biggest cause of spread between people is through sexual contact or close contact with family members.

Sexual contact can include:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Rubbing of genitals together
• Sex using your hands
• Sharing sex toys

It can also be spread through:

• Touching clothing, bedding or towels used by someone with the m-pox rash
• Touching mpox skin blisters or scabs
• The coughs or sneezes of a person with the m-pox rash

What are the symptoms of mpox?

It usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.

The first symptoms of mpox may include some of the following symptoms:

• Rectal pain and bleeding (proctitis)
• A high temperature (38 degrees Celsius or higher)
• A headache
• Muscle aches
• Backache
• Swollen glands
• Shivering (chills)
• Exhaustion

A rash usually appears 1 to 5 days after the first symptoms, although sometimes the rash can be the only symptom. The rash often begins on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body. If m-pox has been spread through sexual contact, the rash can first appear around the genital and anal area.

The rash is sometimes confused with chickenpox. It starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off. The symptoms usually clear up in 2 to 4 weeks and people with the infection will be supported by their doctor and public health to isolate during this time.

Overwhelmingly, most people isolate at home. Sometimes if people are not able to isolate themselves, for example if they are sharing a bedroom, then the public health team can help arrange free, short-term accommodation. Sometimes people may need additional support from the hospital team. This can include for symptoms like itching, pain management or if there is inflammation of the rectum and difficulty passing a bowel motion.

There are some medications to treat mpox, but supply is very limited internationally at present. The vast majority of patients get better themselves and do not need any treatment specifically for mpox. Some patients need antibiotics if there is a suspicion of an STI or a skin infection on top of the mpox skin lesions. Very occasionally people with a very weak immune system or very young babies can get a severe illness. No one has died in developed countries to date.

I think I might have M-pox, what should I do?

It can be upsetting if you think you might be sick and is important to get the medical treatment you need as soon as possible. If you have symptoms of mpox it is important that you contact your GP (doctor) or local STI clinic immediately for advice. If you’ve been in close contact with someone who is known to have mpox, you’ll be contacted by health professionals. If medical experts feel you need testing this will most likely be done at a hospital. This will mean a short visit and you will be expected to isolate at home until results are back.

The risk of mpox infection is overall quite low for the general population however if you have any concerns it is always best to contact your GP or a sexual health clinic.

Can I get the mpox vaccine in Ireland?

The HSE paused the mpox vaccination programme in December 2023. HSE is reviewing the need to reopen a vaccination programme due to the current outbreak. You can find the most up to date information on mpox and the vaccine at the MPOWER website.

What is the treatment for mpox?

Most treatment is supportive, this means that the team will treat you for any symptoms eg itch, painful spots or difficulty passing a bowel motion. The illness is usually mild and most people recover in 2 to 4 weeks.

How can I protect myself against mpox?

There are many great options to help protect your sexual health, but none of them are 100% effective. Condoms are a great way to prevent common STIs like Chlamydia but don’t always work against mpox infection. Going for an STI check or taking a home STI testing kit with a partner before having sex, can be a great way of protecting yourself and those you have sex with against STIs and HIV. These can be ordered for free at SH24.ie for most counties around Ireland. Another option is going to your GP or a local sexual health clinic. Mpox is a very specific test and won’t be found on a routine STI screen, therefore you’ll have to attend a clinic to get this if you have any symptoms. If you think you could have m-pox it is important to speak to your healthcare provider before attending a clinic in person.

Looking out for sores or symptoms on a partner’s genitals before having sex with them, can help to identify mpox or STIs that they may not be aware of. If you do see any signs that someone may have mpox or an STI, do not have sex with them until you know for certain it is ok to do so. Asking someone about their sexual health history is the responsible thing to do before having sex, and it should not be taken as an insult if someone asks you about yours. Going for a sexual health check with someone before having sex is a great way to protect both your own and your partner’s sexual wellbeing.

Visit HSE.ie for more information on mpox.

Reducing stigma around mpox

It can be worrying when there is an outbreak of a virus and often the media can frame outbreaks of disease in extreme ways, increasing fear and misinformation. It is important when discussing mpox that we understand that the risk of infection is overall quite low and that although certain people may be more at risk of getting the virus, it is not an outbreak that affects only specific groups. Anyone can get mpox, and similarly to COVID-19 or any other virus, it is not a person’s fault if they become ill. We can all help reduce stigma around mpox by sharing factual information on the virus. Follow us on social media to share our posts on the topic.

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