A reminder from Jersey’s Sexual Health team ahead of Channel Islands Pride – don’t let monkeypox spoil your fun. Stay safe at Channel Islands Pride and when travelling abroad.

Monkeypox symptoms can be treated, it is usually mild, and most people recover in two to four weeks. Early symptoms include high temperature, headache, muscle ache, backache, swollen glands, shivering (chills) and exhaustion. A rash usually appears after 1 to 5 days. 

Anyone can contract monkeypox, however, most cases in the UK are currently found in men, this means that men who have sex with men are at a greater risk of contracting the virus. Although it is not described as a sexually transmitted infection, it’s important that gay and bisexual men are especially alert as it’s believed to be spreading in sexual networks.

Protect others 

• If you have any symptoms of monkeypox, are isolating, or have been diagnosed do not attend public events. 

Practice good hygiene 

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Put used tissues in the bin straight away, washing your hands afterwards. 

Practice safe sex 

• Ask new partners about their sexual health 
• Avoid sharing sex toys and keep them clean. 
• Condoms are recommended, but don’t offer full protection against monkeypox during sexual contact. 

  Be safe in your surroundings 

• Contact with clothing, bedding or towels used by an infected person can spread monkeypox. 
• Close physical contact can also cause infection. 

 If you think you have monkeypox or have been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox symptoms, contact your GP or call the GUM (sexual health) clinic on 01534 442856. Avoid close personal or sexual contact with others until you have had a clinical assessment. Phone the clinic ahead of your visit and avoid close contact with others until you have been seen by a clinician. Your call or discussion will be treated sensitively and confidentially.