Please note - the guidance of monkeypox management is constantly updated therefore this document is expected to change frequently.
DO NOT PRINT THIS DOCUMENT - Please use the latest electronic version of this document.
Current guidance is based on local implementation of UKHSA and HPS guidelines which are regularly updated Operational mpox (monkeypox) HCID case definition - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note that Monkeypox has been renamed mpox though some pre-existing resources still refer to Monkeypox.
V2.1 last updated 02/10/2024
Mpox is a rare viral infection and the risk of getting it in Scotland remains low.
There are two known clades of mpox: Clade I and Clade II. Transmission of mpox to humans can be due to zoonotic transmission or person-to-person spread. Infection with Clade I mpox has been reported to cause more severe disease with a higher case fatality rate. Clade 1 disease is recognised as a HCID (high consequence infectious disease) and appropriate infection control measures must be undertaken if suspected.
In 2022 the UK experienced a wave of clade II disease largely confined to the MSM (men having sex with men) population. Between 25 July and 5 August 2024, confirmed Clade I mpx cases have been reported from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for the first time, which has expanded the geographical footprint of Clade I mpox in the African Region. Clade II cases have been reported from Benin, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and South Africa in 2024. With the current outbreak of Clade I and the emergence of subclade 1b disease there is a risk of travel associated disease (appendix 1) presenting to health facilities in Scotland. As of 21st August no Clade 1 cases have been reported in the UK associated with this outbreak.
Clade I cases are anticipated to have similar presentations as encountered in Clade II cases. Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last two to four weeks. It also can cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes. A further description of common presentations is available at Mpox | NHS inform
Operational Case Definition:
All laboratory confirmed mpox Clade I cases should be managed as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID).
Patients with confirmed or clinically suspected mpox but clade not yet known should be managed as a HCID mpox case whilst further information is pending, if either (or both):
Or:
Mpox is not considered an HCID in the following circumstances:
Or:
All possible/probable/confirmed cases should be discussed with the on-call paediatric Infectious Diseases consultant and Health Protection Team (HPT) consultant (via RHC switchboard).
Where possible, pregnant women and severely immunosuppressed individuals (as outlined in the Green Book) should not assess or clinically care for individuals with suspected or confirmed Mpox. This will be reassessed as evidence emerges.
** If there are significant workforce pressures in CDU that may delay assessment of the patient or 1st assessment of other patients, then an early discussion between ED consultant in charge and Medical Paediatric on-call consultant shuld occur to identify the best placed clinical team to conduct the assessment.
Monday – Friday between 0900-1700, the Infectious diseases (ID) registrar can be contacted to see if they are able to offer any support.
If between the hours of 16:00-midnight the senior medical registrar based in ED can be moved into CDU to offer support.
Donning and doffing video link - High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)
PPE - There has been no change to the existing Scottish VHF ensemble. When caring for patient with suspected or confirmed Clade I mpox cases current Scottish VHF PPE guidance should be followed:
PPE Needed |
PPE required for HCID |
To protect body area including head and neck |
The HCW should change into scrubs. Disposable fluid repellent coverall (with hood) plus high-grade disposable plastic apron over the coverall. |
To protect feet |
Wellington style boots and disposable overboots to enter room |
To protect face, including mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and respiratory tract |
FFP3 respirator and compatible full length visor/faceshield to enter room |
To protect hands |
Disposable surgical gloves x2 (double gloving) |
At time of writing this guideline no Paediatric cases of mpox have been identified in Scotland. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with the most up to date case definition and be aware of current prevalence of mpox in children in Scotland.
If a senior clinician assesses the child and is confident the diagnosis is not mpox, the child can follow the existing pathways.
Here is a link to aid clinicians in the diagnosis of mpox: Mpox: background information - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Clinicians should be aware of the risk of other infections presenting in children with fever who have recently returned from travel abroad, including viral haemorrhagic fever.
The roles of acute medical personnel are detailed in appendix 3.
Clinicians should discuss individuals in whom mpox is suspected with the local Paediatric Infectious Diseases team, PH on call consultant and the Imported Fever Service (IFS). Contact details below
After discussion with IFS, samples should be sent to West of Scotland Virology lab. Samples should be packaged and transported in accordance with Category B transportation regulations (Appendix 4).
Prior to sending any samples please contact the lab via email west.ssvc2@nhs.scot Use email both in and out of hours (which will be picked up in the following morning including at weekends). Please include contact details in email for results to be returned to.
Mpox is diagnosed by PCR test on a viral swab taken from one or more vesicles or ulcers. Swabs should be sent in MSS (red topped bottles also used for COVID testing). If there are no skin lesions then a throat swab should be sent in MSS. Testing can be ordered in TrakCare in ‘New request’ tab by searching for ‘monkeypox virus PCR’.
PHS laboratory information note for mpox testing in Scotland:
2024-09-23-phs-laboratory-information-note-monkeypox-cases-in-the-uk-v8.pdf (publichealthscotland.scot)
Clinical laboratories should be informed in advance of samples being submitted for mpox testing, so that the appropriate precautions can be taken to minimise risk to laboratory workers.
Local testing for other pathogens should proceed as indicated, to prevent potential delays in diagnosis of other illnesses that may require urgent treatment. ALL samples should be clearly labelled identifying the patient as a suspected Mpox case and packaged in the same way. They MUST NOT be sent via the POD system.
Blood sample packaging: the blood bottles must be packaged in Category B transport boxes to prevent any accidental spillage. These containers should be available at each A&E department. If not, these are available from Virology at GRI by taxi during office hours (38721) and QEUH A&E out of hours. One container is required for each laboratory, i.e. haematology, biochemistry microbiology. Please minimise the samples sent to routine labs.
Currently the CL3 hood is non-functional at QEUH microbiology and microbiology samples will be processed at GRI if needed. Haematology and Biochemistry tests for patients fulfilling the case definition at QEUH are currently processed in Haematology.
Important points about sample-labelling, packaging and request forms:
In patients with rash and fever consider swabbing the lesions for HSV/VZV PCR and enterovirus PCR. In returning travellers consider the RHC guidance Fever in the returning paediatric traveller.
UK Imported Fever Service (IFS) on 08 44 77 88 99 0 (Doctor on Call: 07789 031 672)
Public Health Protection Team (0141 201 4917 Mon-Fri 9-5pm, 0141 211 3600 and ask for the NHS GG&C Public Health Protection Team on call out of hours) including overnight
Paed Infections diseases registrar (Monday – Friday 0900-1700. Page 18083).
Paed infectious diseases consultant: working hours through Dect 84939, OOH: ask for oncall paed ID consultant through switchboard.
Common symptoms of Mpox:
Images of individual mpox lesions. Ref: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox
Ref: Mpox: Introductory course for African outbreak contexts | OpenWHO
ED Nurse triage & co-ordinator role:
Attend patient at ambulance door entrance and from distance clarify if patient fulfils case definition as per above.
If patient fulfils the case definition for Mpox:
Medical team roles:
Role of GP triage Clinician
In line with the hierarchy of controls, efforts should be made to perform telephone triage/assessment to help establish symptoms present and risk associated with potential Mpox in advance of any face-to-face contact where possible. Advice should be sought from the ID Consultant on call if there is any dubiety, prior to the child attending RHCG.
All children with recent travel to Africa with fever will need to attend for clinical assessment. This is to rule out travel associated infections such as malaria and typhoid which are much more common (and more immediately life threatening) than monkey pox
The GP triage clinician should establish whether the GP or referring professional has seen the patient and whether the patient fulfils the case definition. There is currently no community-based testing for Mpox. If the child needs to attend RHC for acute assessment or for testing the GP triage clinician should input details into Trakcare ED expects as per flow chart above, should contact ED coordinator and medical registrar in CDU to inform them that the patient will attend.
If the GP feels there is a risk of Mpox, but has not seen the patient and thus is unsure if they meet current case definition, the patient should be advised to attend ED and will be seen as per the ED pathway above. The GP triage clinician should enter details onto ED expects, but make it clear in the notes that no medical triage has taken place and thus the patient should be assessed for risk at the front door. The GP triage clinician should contact the ED coordinator to inform them of approximate arrival time.
Last reviewed: 02 October 2024
Next review: 30 September 2027
Author(s): Dr Conor Doherty - Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases; Dr Katherine Longbottom - Consultant General Paediatrics & Paediatric Infectious Diseases, RHCG; Dr Steve Foster - Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, RHCG.
Version: 2.1
Author Email(s): steven.foster@nhs.scot
Co-Author(s): Dr Owen Forbes – Clinical Lead for General Paediatrics, RHCG; Dr Lynsey Johnston – Clinical Lead for Paediatric Emergency Medicine, RHCG; Mrs Wendy Lundy – Senior Charge Nurse, Paediatric Emergency Department, RHCG; Mrs Susan McManus – Charge Nurse, Clinical Decision Unit, RHCG; Dr Celia Jackson – Consultant in Virology & Infectious Diseases, GRI; Dr Linda Bagrade – Lead Infection Prevention and Control Consultant, GRI
Approved By: RHC Medical Paediatrics & Paediatric Emergency Department Clinical Governance Groups