Infections of relevance
Mpox
The risk to the general UK population from mpox (clade I) remains low.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is working with the NHS, local authorities and other government departments to ensure readiness to respond to any cases seen in the UK, and help prevent transmission.
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.
The infection can be passed on through close person-to-person contact with someone who has the infection or with infected animals and through contact with contaminated materials.
People are advised to follow the NHS advice on mpox, which is available at: Mpox - NHS.
Anyone can catch mpox, so if you have recently travelled to an affected country, look out for the symptoms of mpox. If you think you might have the infection, self-isolate at home and call 111 for further advice.
Home hygiene
For more information on home hygiene, including tips for cleaning and disinfecting your home to prevent the spread of infection, visit the ‘What is home and everyday life hygiene?’ webpage from International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH).
Food hygiene
Find advice on keeping safe and preventing food poisoning during cooking, cleaning and during a BBQ, and how to wash fruit and vegetables, prepare and cook food safely, and clean up afterwards.
For more information visit the ‘Food hygiene’ advice webpage from the Food Standards Agency.
Hand hygiene
For more information on home hygiene, including tips for cleaning and disinfecting your home to prevent the spread of infection visit the ‘What is home and everyday life hygiene?’ webpage from International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH).
Try using the ‘How to wash your hands song’ from the NHS to help teach children how to keep themselves safe too by cleaning their hands.
Preventing and managing infections in adult social care settings
Find guidance on ‘Infection prevention and control in Adult Social Care settings’ on the Department of Health and Social Care (GOV.uk) webpage.
Preventing and managing infections in children's settings
Find guidance on ‘Health protection in schools and other childcare facilities’ on the UK Health Security Agency (GOV.uk) webpage.
Preventing the spread of respiratory infections at work
Find guidance on ‘Reducing the spread of respiratory infections in the workplace’ on the UK Health Security Agency (GOV.uk) webpage.
Healthcare associated infections (HCAI)
What are HCAI’s and what type of infections are associated with healthcare. Find out more about HCAI...