First case of Clade 1b mpox detected in UK
One case of mpox, which was previously referred to as monkeypox, has been identified in the UK. This case is connected to the recent outbreak occurring in certain areas of Africa.
This is a component of the Clade 1b outbreak, which seems to transmit more readily among individuals.
In the summer, the World Health Organization announced that mpox was a global health emergency.
The patient from the UK had just returned from vacation in one of the impacted countries in Africa and started feeling unwell within a day of getting back.
On October 22, the patient began experiencing symptoms similar to those of the flu, followed by the appearance of a rash two days after that.
An mpox rash featuring blisters filled with pus can continue for as long as a month. Additional symptoms may involve fever, headaches, and feelings of fatigue.
The UK patient who has contracted the infection is receiving care at the specialized unit for high-risk infectious diseases at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
Lab tests confirmed that the infection was of the Clade 1b type. This strain of the virus has been raising increasing alarm.
It seems to transmit more readily between individuals through close physical contact, such as during sexual activity, than other forms of mpox.
This year, cases of Clade 1b mpox have been reported in several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda.
Clade 1a, which is closely related, is mainly linked to coming into contact with infected animals or consuming bushmeat.
Clade 1b seems to have a less severe impact compared to 1a, but it's challenging to be sure since accurate data on the specific number of infections is hard to obtain.
We're tracking down the people who have been in close contact with the patient, especially those living in the same home. It's believed that there are fewer than 10 individuals involved.
"This is the first occasion we have identified this specific strain of mpox in the UK, although there have been confirmed cases in other countries," stated Prof Susan Hopkins, the leading medical advisor at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
She mentioned, "The threat to the UK population is still minimal, and we are quickly identifying anyone who has been in close contact to minimize the chance of any possible transmission."
Sweden, India, and Germany have reported instances of this mpox variant associated with travel to regions where it is prevalent.
This outbreak is distinct from the one that mainly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in 2022, known as Clade II. Although there are still some cases of mpox infections occurring, they are happening at a low rate.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting stated: "The government is collaborating with UKHSA and the NHS to safeguard the public and curb the spread of infections."
“This involves obtaining vaccines and providing healthcare workers with the necessary resources and instructions to handle cases safely."
