Brits flying to Spain told take ‘extra precautions’ as cases of mpox rise

Brits flying to a popular holiday destination have been urged to take “extra precautions” as cases of an infectious disease have risen. Health officials in Spain have reported 82 cases of a specific strain of mpox.

Travel Health Pro said: “As of 17 February 2026, a total of 82 cases of mpox clade Ib have been reported in Spain. 62 of these cases have been reported in men who have sex with men (MSM).” It added: “Take extra precautions.”

Mpox, which was previously known as monkeypox, can spread from person to person through close physical contact with mpox blisters or scabs.

Between one to five days after onset, a rash may develop anywhere on the body. The World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions that very young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, particularly people with poorly controlled HIV, face greater risk of serious complications from mpox, which could prove fatal. Numerous African countries have been battling an outbreak of clade Ib mpox cases throughout 2024.

Meanwhile, imported cases have appeared in various nations, including Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United States.

The NHS advises contacting 111 if you experience any mpox symptoms and have visited central or eastern Africa within the last three weeks, particularly if you had close contact with someone displaying mpox symptoms.

The health organisation emphasised that whilst the condition is “rare”, there are measures you can take to minimise your risk of contracting it and transmitting it to others. These include:

• Get vaccinated if you’re offered the mpox vaccine
• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Look out for any possible symptoms of mpox for three weeks after returning from central or east Africa
• Talk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have
• Be aware of the symptoms of mpox if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners
• Take a break from sex and intimate contact if you have symptoms of mpox until you’re seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it on
• Do not share bedding or towels with people who may have mpox
• Do not have close contact (within one metre) with people who may have mpox
• Do not go near wild or stray animals, including animals that appear unwell or are dead, while travelling in central or east Africa
• Do not eat or touch meat from wild animals while travelling in central or east Africa

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the first case of mpox clade Ib infection was confirmed in the UK on 30 October 2024. Up to 31 January 2026, 25 cases of were reported.

It said: “To 31 January 2026, most of these cases have reported direct or indirect links to travel to countries where mpox clade Ib is circulating.”

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