Mpox

Infection prevention and control (IPC) management of Mpox in primary care, community or outpatient settings.

What is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. Mpox can be passed on from person to person through:

• Direct or indirect contact with mpox blisters or scabs.
• Respiratory droplets of a person with mpox.

There are 2 genetically distinct clades described for Mpox virus (MPXV):

• Clade I, formerly called the Congo Basin (Central African) Clade.
• Clade II, formerly called the West African Clade.
• Clade I is split into Clade Ia and Clade Ib. Clade II is split into Clade IIb and Clade IIa, with subgroup clusters called lineages.
• Most of the cases seen in the outbreak in 2022 were from Clade IIb, lineage B.1.

Since January 2023, Clade II mpox is no longer considered a HCID within the UK, as described in the Principles for non-HCID mpox in the UK 4 nations consensus statement.

Since March 2025, Clade I mpox is no longer considered a HCID within the UK, as described in https://www.gov.uk/guidance/derogation-of-clade-i-mpox

Guidance

Guidance is currently under review and will be updated  

Please continue to follow the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) for England for all infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. For further guidance, refer to the NHS England resource: National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) for England.