New monkeypox symptoms are now on the official list as the virus continues to spread, UK health bosses have announced.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has expanded the symptom list to include a single lesion or lesions on the genitals, anus and surrounding area, along with lesions in the mouth.
Health bosses have also stressed it's important to check for symptoms of proctitis, anal or rectal pain or bleeding - especially if the individual has had a new sexual partner recently.
These additional symptoms will help both individuals and clinical professionals identify monkeypox symptoms.
However, the majority of people with monkeypox can safely manage their symptoms at home as there have been no deaths in the UK.
Most people experience mild disease but it can cause a significant illness in some requiring hospitalisation for symptoms such as severe pain.
Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said: "We continue to see new diagnoses of monkeypox, passed on primarily through close or sexual contact.
"We have updated our case definitions to reflect the clinical presentations that have been seen during this outbreak.
"It is important to recognise that just one or two genital or anal lesions, or lesions in the mouth can be signs of monkeypox, especially if you have had a new sexual partner.
"If you think you have monkeypox stay at home and contact 111 or your local sexual health service for advice.
Health officials are still urging people to be cautious and to stay alert for symptoms.
For many people symptoms can be mild but for some people, hospital treatment may be required.
Guidance and materials are being updated to reflect the new case definition and expanded symptoms list.
Monkeypox list of symptoms
The first symptoms of monkeypox include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- muscle aches
- backache
- swollen glands
- shivering (chills)
- exhaustion
According to the NHS, if you get infected with monkeypox, it usually takes between 5 and 21 days for the first symptoms to appear.
A rash usually appears one to five days after the first symptoms.
The rash often begins on the face, then spreads to other parts of the body which can include the genitals and anus.
However, 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 a few weeks. While you have symptoms, you can pass monkeypox on to other people.
