MPox

The initial symptoms of MPox Infection are fever, myalgia, fatigue and headache. These are followed by a rash starting from the site of the primary infection, this rash develops into vesicles and pustule followed by scabs. Infectivity may start during initial symptoms and lasts until the rash clears and all scabs have dropped off.

Staff should be alert for donors who report rashes and illnesses consistent with MPox, regardless of sexual behaviour, travel history or other risk factors.

MPox does not spread easily between people. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with:

- Infectious material from skin lesions

- Respiratory droplets in prolonged face-to-face contact

- Virus-contaminated objects such as bedding and clothing.

Accept:   If the donor has recovered from confirmed or suspected MPox (MPX) infection and it is 12 months since full recovery.

Contact with an individual with confirmed or suspected MPox

This includes the following:

- All people who have been in contact with an individual with confirmed or suspected MPox.

- Healthcare workers who have used full PPE

- People who have been advised by public health that they do not need to self-isolate but should carry out self-monitoring.

Accept; if it is more than 4 months since the last contact and:

- The donor has no symptoms of MPox, and

- The donor has completed any isolation period that was required and the donor has completed any period of self-monitoring, and the donor has been  discharged from all follow-up (including surveillance by public health).

See additional information below for donors who have received vaccination.

ECDC recommends that a third generation Smallpox vaccination, Imvanex (MVA - BN/Imvanex) can be offered as post exposure prophylaxis, to reduce the risk of serious illness, to contacts including: Healthcare workers caring for patients, first line responders and individuals with close contact exposure to MPXV in outbreak settings. Imvanex (MVA - BN/Imvanex) is a live attenuated non-replicating vaccination. For donor selection purposes this should be assessed as a non-live vaccine. i.e. no deferral period is required if the donor is well and has recovered from any side-effects due to the vaccine.