Information for staff about Monkeypox

Staff will have no doubt heard on the news about some cases of Monkeypox being reported in the UK.  Monkeypox is a rare infectious disease and usually seen in Africa.  Over recent weeks there have been cases reported around the world and we now have over 70 cases in the UK.  We have not yet had any local cases.   

We want to reassure staff that Monkeypox is not a serious illness and usually clears up of its own accord within 2 to 4 weeks.  It is spread by very close contact with someone who has Monkeypox. 

The symptoms can often be confused with chicken pox (a rash / raised spots, which turn into small blisters and eventually form scabs which later fall off), along with other symptoms which are listed here.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has stressed the risk to the UK population remains low but, nevertheless, we have been asked to prepare as a Trust in case we start to see any local cases. 

We have developed some protocols to help us safely manage any potential cases within the Trust and will keep these under review as the situation evolves: 

Trust protocol for possible Monkeypox cases attending ED/UTC

• Monkeypox Assessment Process Emergency Departments and Urgent Treatment Centre

Trust protocol for possible Monkeypox cases attending Sexual Health Services 

• Sampling and Packaging of Samples for Suspected Monkeypox Case
• Monkeypox Assessment for GUM Services within the STSFT Trust